FilmForward and script consultant Sarieke Hoeksma present a new series on the professionalisation of script development in film and television. This first edition is a Masterclass and Deep Dive with South-African script consultant Tracey-Lee Rainers, in collaboration with Story Oasis.
In the process of developing a film script, a screenwriter or filmmaker often works closely with someone who reflects with them on the storylines, structure, characters, themes, dialogue, genre, tone and more. This role goes by many names: script consultant, script editor, story editor, script advisor, script coach, dramaturg or head of development, among others. The variety of titles and roles within this profession is in line with the many ways in which script consultants contribute to the development of a film. They work closely with writers, yet often independently, with limited insight into the methods of other script consultants.
This programme aims to connect script professionals from the Dutch and international film industry to share their views and perspectives on script development. How do script consultants approach the analysis of a film script? How do they engage in dialogue with the filmmaker? And how do they navigate working across cultures and within an international context?
The second masterclass in the series features international script consultant and story editor Tracey-Lee Rainers. During the session, Tracey-Lee will share her perspectives on working in script development within an international context. In dialogue with the audience, she will draw on her extensive experience and reflect on the practice of script consulting.
A Deep Dive into Tracey-Lee’s working methods as a script consultant will follow later in the afternoon, for which we will select eight participants. For eligibility and program details, see here.
Who is this masterclass for?
This masterclass is intended for script consultants, script editors, script coaches, and heads of development, and more broadly open to everyone working in script development, including (creative) producers, commissioning editors, film fund decision-makers, and filmmakers involved in giving feedback.
Practical information
Date: Wednesday 4 December 2025, 10:00–12:00, followed by a networking coffee
Location: Nieuwe Instituut, Museumpark 25, Rotterdam
Costs: €22,50 excl. VAT, including coffee
About Tracey-Lee Rainers
Tracey-Lee Rainers is a South African script consultant working globally. She has contributed to award-winning films such as Address Unknown (Nadine Cloete, 2020), I Do Not Come To You By Chance (Ishaya Bako, 2023) as well as various streaming hits. As a co-founder of Story Oasis, she is dedicated to collaborating with creatives from all parts of the world. Her experience includes mentoring at international labs like the Jumpstart Produire Au Sud x Durban Film Mart, the Realness Creative Producer Indaba and Triggerfish UNESCO Directors Lab.
In addition, she serves as a sought-after consultant for co-productions, including the South African-Netherlands initiatives. In 2024, Tracey-Lee and her team achieved a victory at Content London, winning the International Drama Series Pitch. That same year, she was honoured with an Entrepreneur Award for Story Oasis.
