MEET

THE DRIVING FORCE

BEHIND ABYSS SOUTH AFRICA 

  

Content Creator 

Dorette Nel

 

A Screenwriter and Concept Developer with a knack for transforming wild ideas into captivating stories, I have over 20 years experience. Nominated by South African Film & Television Awards (SAFTAS) for Best Achievement in Script Writing in TV COMEDY (2023) and TV DRAMA (2025), I excel at turning mere concepts into binge-worthy content. I’ve graced many story rooms as head writer, story-liner, script editor & dialogue writer, and have worked in Drama, Sitcom, Telenovela and Dailies. Think of me as part storyteller, part therapist—because let’s face it, sometimes even the best plot twists need a little emotional support!

Dorette Nel is the creative force behind Abyss South Africa. She has won many awards for the animated film she produced.

Abyss South Africa

Company Profile

 Abyss South Africa invests time and resources in gaining valuable experience in different fields of the industry, both locally and abroad. This serves not only as a networking platform, but provides Abyss South Africa with an opportunity to expose and train previously disadvantaged individuals in a specific field of expertise within the film industry.

Online Distribution Platforms and Animation are both fast-growing fields that have not yet been monopolized. South Africa can provide services to this industry.

Abyss South Africa aims to attend festivals, markets and expos to network and build lasting relationships that will ultimately lead to collaborations.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We believe every story has the power to inspire, entertain and connect. By nurturing ideas at every stage—from brainstorm to final script —we ensure that each project reflects both artistic integrity and audience appeal.

Our flexible, collaborative approach allows us to adapt to a wide range of genres, budgets and platforms without ever losing sight of the narrative heart.

VISION

To elevate South African storytelling on the global stage by producing high-quality local content that meets international standards.

Abyss South Africa envisions a thriving creative ecosystem where independent storytellers gain access to global markets, digital distribution platforms, and impactful co-production opportunities.

By building strong industry relationships and networks, Abyss is committed to advancing African narratives with authenticity and bold creativity.

 

    MISSION

    Abyss South Africa is committed to continuously honing its craft and regularly attends training courses in filmmaking, scriptwriting, show-running, and content development, both locally and internationally. The company is passionate about attending global markets to gain exposure, understand viewer trends, and create content that resonates worldwide.

    We strive to develop high-quality, projects with the potential for international success, attracting co-venture and co-production opportunities.

    We are focused on creating and marketing content that appeals to both the local and international markets, positioning South Africa as a prime destination for original, innovative content.

    WHAT WE DO

    • Script Development – Concept refinement, storyboarding, script editing and polishing

    • Production Support – Creative direction, budgeting, scheduling and on-set coordination

    • Animation Partnerships – From character design and voice casting to post-production

    • Live-Action Collaborations – Short films, feature projects and series development

    • Digital Content Development – Web series, branded content and social media storytelling

    INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

         Dorette Nel is a National Film And Video Foundation of South Africa registered story -,  and script editor and is actively involved in developing original IP created by emerging filmmakers.

       Abyss South Africa is an active member of the Southern African Forum For Independent Animators, a registered non-profit company focused on building a regional community for African storytelling through animation.

         Authentic storytelling inspired by personal life experiences, unique cultural practices, regionally-specific social and political challenges and celebrations, as well as family narratives passed down through the generations, is far more interesting to an international audience than emulating globally popular themes.

    We believe that to build a robust film industry, South African creators will have to find their own unique voice and visual language.

          We are currently  promoting seasonal Smallanyana Animation Festivals  that showcase independently produced short, animated films. And call emerging filmmakers to submit 10 second animation sketches.