Listed below are various things that inspire the mood and meaning of the WitchDoctor series. In addition to historical research of Haiti, Vodun, and the destruction of New Orleans (before and after Katrina) our story draws on social issues to illustrate the challenges that Jovan faces.
Some of these items inspire WitchDoctor thematically while others inspire the visual aesthetic or packaging of the project overall.
ZATOICHI:
This film & tv series is a big influence because it captures the theme of a blind wanderer and it offers a great sense of timing and pacing for the action I want to use in WitchDoctor. We also have the cane in common but there is no blade in ours - ever.
Spoken Word
WitchDoctor needs narration that is more lyrical. The visuals can hold their own and I want the narration to be more about pacing than filling space. I am seeking edgier spoken word poets like Sunni Patterson - but I think the themes of the stories are edgy and revealing enough for any poetic talent to accomplish.
Doctor WHO
I mention this series because it inspires me to give WitchDoctor the odd late-night tv edge that is indicative of a cult classic. Doctor WHO is usually so far out of wack that its even confusing until you realize it still very much comments on what's going on in society today; it could be referred to as passive parody.
VooDoo Fist
WitchDoctor fights with a varied system of African Martial arts as studied from Kilindi Iyi and videos like these...