Hanelle M. Culpepper

Biography

Hanelle M. Culpepper, born on September 22, 1970, in Birmingham, Alabama, is a distinguished American television and film director. She has garnered acclaim for her dynamic direction across various genres, including superhero action adventures, thrillers, and character-driven dramas.

Early Life and Education

Culpepper's passion for storytelling emerged during her upbringing in Alabama, where she frequently directed her siblings in plays she wrote. She pursued higher education at Lake Forest College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and French, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She furthered her studies with a Master’s degree from the USC Annenberg School for Communication.

Career Milestones

Culpepper's career trajectory is marked by several groundbreaking achievements:

Star Trek: Picard: In 2020, she directed the pilot episode of "Star Trek: Picard," becoming the first woman to launch a new Star Trek series in its 53-year history. Her work earned her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series in 2021.

Kung Fu: She directed and co-executive produced the pilot for the CW's "Kung Fu" reboot in 2021, contributing to an authentic portrayal of a Chinese American family.

Star Wars: The Acolyte: Culpepper expanded her repertoire by directing episodes of the Star Wars series "The Acolyte" for Disney+.

Her diverse television credits also include episodes of "90210," "Parenthood," "Criminal Minds," "Revenge," "Grimm," "The Flash," "Gotham," and "Empire."

Awards and Recognition

Beyond her NAACP Image Award for "Star Trek: Picard," Culpepper has received multiple nominations, reflecting her impact on the industry. She was nominated for her work on Netflix’s "True Story" and Apple TV+'s "The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey."

Personal Life

Culpepper met her husband, Jeffrey Meier, during her internship at Sony while pursuing her Master’s degree. They have two children together.

Recent and Upcoming Projects

Culpepper continues to be a dynamic force in the entertainment industry with several upcoming projects:

Paradise City: She is set to direct a block for Dan Fogelman's new Hulu series "Paradise City," starring Sterling K. Brown.

1000 Miles: Culpepper is attached to direct the feature film "1000 Miles," starring Shamier Anderson, produced by Zucker Productions and Castle Rock.

Amari and the Night Brothers: She is set to direct a feature adaptation of the bestselling YA novel for Universal Studios, produced by Hidden Pictures, Don Cheadle's This Radicle Act, and Marsai Martin's Genius Entertainment.

Hanelle M. Culpepper's career reflects her dedication to storytelling and her trailblazing role in diversifying the landscape of television and film direction.