Tracey-Lee Rainers is a seasoned story practitioner whose career spans over 18 years, marked by various contributions to the film and television industry. As the co-founder of Story Oasis, a vibrant story development hub based in Johannesburg, South Africa, she has been instrumental in shaping compelling authentic narratives for the local and global market. 

In 2024, Tracey-Lee achieved a milestone by winning the prestigious Content London International Drama Series Pitch. This accolade celebrates her work on a series developed in collaboration with an international partner, underscoring her talent for creating engaging content that resonates across borders. Additionally, her dedication to empowering women’s voices in the industry earned her the Leading Women of Africa Entrepreneurship Award in 2024. 

Tracey-Lee served as a feature film pre-sales reader for the commercial pay television sector and works as a story editor for various funding bodies and commissions.  One of her highlights is when she served as story editor for a range of short films produced in India, South Africa, Russia and Brazil; the stories premiered at the 2018 International BRICS Film Festival. 

As a mentor, Tracey-Lee has played a pivotal role in various groundbreaking development labs, both locally and internationally. Her involvement in initiatives such as the Durban Talent Campus Story Junction, the DFM x Produire Au Sud Jumpstart Programme, and the Realness Institute’s Creative Producer Indaba Lab has allowed her to work with talented writers and producers from across the continent. Furthermore, as story mentor she contributed to the National Film and Video Foundation’s flagship female filmmaker program, co developing 28 short films. 

Tracey-Lee has been the Judging Co-Chairperson for the SAFTAS  (South African Film and Television Awards) Best Screenplay Feature Film since 2020. She served on the South African Oscar Selection Panel in 2020.  She is reader and panelist for National Film and Video Foundation Fiction Panel as well as for the Venice Biennale College of Cinema’s selections.  She serves as a judge on MNET and Canal + Silwerskermfees2025 for feature films, shorts and documentary categories.

As a thought leader, Tracey-Lee has shared her insights on prestigious platforms such as the Durban Film Mart, Cape Town International Animation Festival, AVIJOZI, Mip Africa, the American Film Market and Women in Animation Mentorship Circle. Her expertise spans both live-action and animation, collaborating with esteemed companies across the continent. 

Tracey-Lee is a founding member of the Writers Guild of South Africa (2009).  While not on council anymore, she continues to contribute as an active member advocating for the rights and recognition of writers. 

Tracey-Lee is also the co-founder of the newly formed NPO, Fable Arc.