The 14th Annual
FilmMakers International
Screenwriting Awards (FISA)

2016 CONTEST |  ENTER NOW
 

Winners | Biography | Logline | Synopsis | Script Excerpt

Seemingly Harmonious

PLATINUM PRIZE WINNER
 

Cao Dengxian

of Shandong Province; China

Seemingly Harmonious
Sci-Fi thriller

Biography

Cao Dengxian

Born in Shandong Province of China, Dengxian Cao has works including several film screenplays and a collection of stories.

Awards: 2014 Hollywood International Screenplay Contest science fiction finalist; Third in 2014 India International Film Festival; Another American Writers Festival, the creative world, and any other semifinals.

Logline

When terrorists use a body/soul transporter to take over the bodies of US officials, including the President, a Secret Service agent must battle against his seemingly own people to prevent a nuclear war.

Interview Part 1.

I knew I wanted to be screenwriter when... I’ve been looking for all the things related that I need.
 

I know I've succeeded
1) When I saw the Pipeline Contest feedback “You are working with a fascinating central concept…and there are many Hollywood producers who will see commercial potential in that sort of a project.”, I know I made it.

 
My inspiration to write "Seemingly Harmonious"... Far from inspiration, specifically more like a grand marketing plan: 1.To belike a $5 million or $6 million script, with a charming high concept, so I invented “body clutch machine.” 2.To firmly grasp the three largest film markets in the world, so I found Diaoyu Islands. 3.To be with ultra-high social and artistic value, so I saw the phenomenon of world “Seemingly Harmonious.” 4.To remove much of the repetition of superheroes, so I found the nuclear suitcase attaché.

Interview Part 2.

FilmMakers Magazine: What inspired you to write?
Cao Dengxian: I have been in love with literature since I was young. But later I found that literature does not love me, and I have a spark with scripts.

FilmMakers Magazine: Is this your first script and how long did it take you to complete?
Cao Dengxian: This is the fourth script, and it took about ten months to write the base story line, but the polishing was taking longer.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you have a set routine, place and time management for writing?
Cao Dengxian: I usually investigate and study a large number of materials before writing. I generally write during the day.

FilmMakers Magazine: Do you believe screenplay contests are important for aspiring screenwriters and why?
Cao Dengxian: For me, this is the only way to get to a film production company. And this should also be a good way for other scriptwriters.

FilmMakers Magazine: What influenced you to enter the Filmmakers International Screenwriting Awards?
Cao Dengxian: It was not clear previously, but now I can tell you: Great judges!

FilmMakers Magazine: What script would you urge aspiring writers to read and why?
Cao Dengxian: “Crash,”! I believe in such a word. that third-rate screenwriters write stories, second-rate screenwriters write characters, first-rate screenwriters write life comprehension and cognition.

FilmMakers Magazine: Beside screenwriting what are you passionate about and why?
Cao Dengxian: It seems that I have a deep love for everything, because no matter how far away from writing, I can always find something useful to write.

FilmMakers Magazine: Who is your favorite Screenwriter and Why?
Cao Dengxian: A lot. Who comes to my mind now is Paul Haggis. He can tell everyone the understanding and sentiment of life through stories.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the director you would love to work with and why?
Cao Dengxian: I have universal love for many great directors. The first to come to my mind is Steven Allan Spielberg. He seems to have a good grasp of any type of film.

FilmMakers Magazine: Name the actor you would love to work with and why?
Cao Dengxian: I like lots of actors, and they have their own characteristics. It’s important to find the one most suitable for the role.

FilmMakers Magazine: Any tips and things learned along the way to pass on to others?
Cao Dengxian: Learn some marketing knowledge; it will make you stand out from the crowd.

FilmMakers Magazine: What's next for you?
Cao Dengxian: There is a science fiction script to write.

FilmMakers Magazine: Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
Cao Dengxian:  I think I will make a movie.

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