John-Andrew Zacharakis

Period 1
Senior Project Artifact Reflection (Know, Do, Reflect)
Complete the KDR graphic organizer below with comprehensive thoughts. Each section should consist of
1-2 detailed, thorough paragraphs that showcase what you KNOW, what you can DO, and your
REFLECTION on your project. The boxes will grow as you type.

KNOW: The goal of my Senior Project is to demonstrate social action

Explain the goal through art, and how it can bring about change in our community
or objective of your or larger. In my instance, I aimed to objectively bring about
project, what your awareness to Gun-Free School Zones and its potential flaws, as well
project was, and how as to help introduce possible solutions that are a compromise for
your project met that both sides of the gun debate in the United States. The project that
goal/objective would illustrate this message was a documentary film titled Cease
Discuss what you Fire, where I present facts about the policy and introduce the
needed to know in possible course of action to reform all of the flaws that may present
order to complete the itself in the law. As such, this film met the overall goal of the
project effectively and Senior Project by spreading the message of awareness with the
proficiently, as well as intention of addressing the best interests of public safety concerns.
discussing what you In order to efficiently complete this project, I needed to be aware of
LEARNED upon how to effectively use documentary filmmaking techniques in order
completing the to convey an emotional tone and theme to my audience. In
project. addition, I was required to research both arguments of the gun
debate, particularly their stances on gun-free school zones. I would
have to select the most compelling arguments both sides present,
and objectively incorporate them into the documentary as part of
the introduction as the solution.
DO: Before I could proceed with the production process, it was
Discuss necessary for me to research my topic thoroughly. I utilized a
the process of what variety of sources that would prove to be vital to driving my art
you actually did in piece and research paper forward and garner the attention I
order to complete intended. These sources included the National Crime Prevention
your project and what Council, the official Congress website, and the Firearms Coalition.
you can do as a result Once I collected valid information, I began to write the script for
my film, incorporating my central questions and the research that
o Thi answers them into it. After two days of writing the film, I then
nk - because I conducted the interview and observation process. Although the
know (this) I can interview was not filmed, the content was eventually used in the
now do (this) final film. The observation, on the other hand, was captured on
Discuss camera. The photos and video clips shot were meticulously
new technologies recorded and captured nearly every part of the location selected.
used, new subject Meanwhile, I recorded the voiceovers and completed the necessary
matter encountered, non-location shots for completing the project, as well as consulting
new skills learned or my mentor for suggestions. Finally, I began to edit the
skills that were documentary and spent careful time perfecting it to the quality I
improved, etc. as you desired, and the final film was uploaded to YouTube upon
worked through your exporting. Because I know how to shoot a cinematic work of art, I
project. can now create a specific type of film that can utilize reality in a
way that could spread my message to the audience in an impactful
manner.
The subject matter I encountered was the most new to me
throughout the process of completing the Senior Project. Before
embarking on the research, I was somewhat familiar with the
controversy surrounding gun-free school zones and zero-tolerance
policy, but the arguments for and against them that I initially
found were incredibly subjective and facts were not as prevalent.
Therefore, by conducting my research phase, I learned new
perspectives as supported by facts, therefore becoming valid for
 presenting in my film.
REFLECT: Reflect on The aspects of the project that were most effective were creating a
the process of piece of art that is impactful to an audience intellectually and
completing the project emotionally, while still refraining from forcing my personal views
(both steps taken and on the topic, which would introduce unneeded bias to the work. In
knowledge and addition, discovering information to use for the project seemed to
experience gained). come easily to me, and it directly served as the basis for the
What went well? Why? documentary. It also perfectly answered the guiding questions,
What could have gone which allowed for a more effective result. However, my timing and
better? How could you schedule for completing certain tasks could have most definitely
have improved it? been improved upon, as oftentimes I found that deadlines had
How have you conflicted with my initial planning for completing the art piece. A
demonstrated growth possible solution to this particular issue would have been to be
in your knowledge and mindful of the Senior Project calendar provided, and to form
skills as both an artist deadlines around those specific days.
and student as a Working through the project, I have demonstrated growth both as
result of working an artist and as a student--as a student in the way that I have vastly
through the project? improved the way that I research topics and write papers based
Reflect on your upon it, and as an artist in the manner that I have found a new
process of becoming medium of art, particularly a form of filmmaking, that allows me to
an agent of change, a proficiently express my ideas to the masses.
social activist, and As an agent of change, I had the desire to address public safety
how using your art issues that are often not spoken about openly due to mere
has helped you controversy. I also wanted to contribute to this type of topic in an
achieve this. objective manner, which I have failed to observe in other works. I
Did you meet your often found bias towards one particular view, which alienates
project certain individuals and continuing the debate. Through this
goals/objectives? documentary, I hope to provide unique insight on the topic that can
Yes/No, Explain. find agreement with both perspectives of the argument.
Did your project I have effectively met my projects objectives, as I ensured that
produce the intended every fact and point given in the film was based upon the best
impact on those who interests of school staff and students, members of the community,
engaged with it? How and advocates for both gun rights and gun control. With that, the
so? intention for the film is positive and not meant to be an attack on
How will you continue either perspective, and instead uniting them with a solution that
to BE THE CHANGE both may find appeal in.
YOU WANT TO SEE I believe that the project will produce the intended impact on those
IN THE WORLD? who engage with it, being that there is information within the
documentary that satisfies the views of all who see it. In addition,
because the film is meant to simply bring awareness to the issue, I
feel that it will spark discussion between viewers and introduce
other viable outcomes for improving the safety of the public. This
idealistic result would successfully accomplish the goals that I had
in mind for this project.
I will continue to be the change I want to see in the world by
promoting a non-biased, moderate solution to all of the problems
plaguing humanity today through writing, performance, and the
cinematic lens. I hope that by doing so, I will rouse discussion
between two conflicting viewpoints and hopefully finding a solution
that satisfies them both. Only then will we step closer to becoming
a closer and united world.