My journey started as a child, loving movies, books, and creative writing. Later, I learned scriptwriting and developed series concepts on my own, via the internet. In 2023, after being rejected numerous times on my long, detailed proposals, I decided to give a last chance to pursue my writer’s dream by submitting to a small competition on Afrikaans.com. To my amazement, I got selected and was on my way to Somerset East to stay at the Jakes Gerwel Foundation’s Paulet house, learning the basics from industry professionals in South Africa.
After completing the successful writer’s mentorship program held by partners the Jakes Gerwel Foundation and M-Net Channels in September 2023, and connecting with like-minded people from all walks of life, was truly a blessing. I even collaborated with Sindisa on submitting a few show proposals to MultiChoice channels. Only during my stay did I discover the mentorship also entails an internship.
Niël’s week one of script readings and storylines at Suidooster’s writers’ office.
I just completed my first week at Suidooster, which firstly included reading, reading, and more script readings to ensure I catch up with all the characters’ storylines to date. I was fortunate to join their Wednesday creative storyline meetings with the head writer, writers, and floor manager to break four key storylines across six episodes. I even got the chance to make a small suggestion they agreed to run with. Lastly, I learned how they form the creative ideas/storylines into an episode treatment that’s a precursor to the final script, which is only then submitted to the dialogue writers to turn into a script as it would be recorded onset.
I am lucky enough to share an office with two young ladies, Errida and Chanté, who happily guide me through their and Suidooster’s writing process. The community coffee room is right next door with unlimited boeretroos refills. Suidooster even has a canteen where breakfast and lunch are served for everyone from interns to production staff.
Overall, I was well-received and made part of the team, even shaking hands with some actors stopping by at the writers’ office like Theresa Sedras (Mrs. J), Jill Levenberg (Mymoena), Irshaad Alley (Rhafiek), and Lauren Joseph (Zoë).
I can’t wait for next week as I will be more hands-on.
Behind the scenes at Suidooster.
Photos: Niël Coetzee.
Niël Coetzee lives in Parys, Free State. He obtained a BA Degree in Communication at the North-West University. He works as an independent television programme creator; with a strong will to become a scriptwriter for television.
