Hi, my name is Susan Hammond. I am a senior at Pasco High School and a AICE media studies student. In this AICE Media Studies project, I partnered with Nicholas Gray, Fares Eltoukhy, and Kevin Foughty. Before coming to a conclusion for a film genre, we had many other ideas such as a science fiction film with gangster film characteristics. Yes, we thought a gangster computer generated mob boss, would be really cool. However, we came to a realization that would be very difficult. So, I viewed a few media studies projects with elements of horror, mystery, thriller, and I honestly wanted to do something unique and different. After speaking to my group, we decided to create a science fiction and neo-nior opening scene. My partners and I were love the films The Matrix and Inception and their theme of a simulated reality – living life in a simulated world. Although, I still want to research both genres to become familiarized with the genre conventions and I want to analyze the cinematography, mise-en-scene, sound, and editing in each opening scene, to use for when we direct our own film. The in-depth shot by shot analysis, will show the significance of each element such as the close ups, shots, costumes, props, etc., and why it contributes to the overall meaning and defines the genre of the film. Some science fiction films that I plan to view are Alien, Terminator, The Matrix, Inception, Upgrade, Ex Machina, and Ghost in the Shell. Furthermore, I plan to look at the neo noir films such as, John Wick Trilogy, The Dark Knight, Blade Runner, and the movie Drive. Also, my research will contain the target audiences of both film genres and the budgets and profits of each movie. This will help my group and I estimate what is needed for our project and the audience our film/opening scene would be recommended for. Without further ado, let’s get this party started!