Person Biography:
Hanelle M. Culpepper is a renowned and award-winning director with a remarkable career spanning various genres, from superhero action adventures to thrillers and character-driven dramas. She made history by becoming the first woman to direct a new Star Trek series, Star Trek: Picard, in its 53-year history, earning her a Variety's 2019 Inclusion Impact honor.
Early Life and Education:
Hanelle earned her Bachelor's degree from Lake Forest College and later obtained her Master's degree from USC's Annenberg School. She began her career by working as an assistant for Oscar-winning screenwriter/director Callie Khouri, followed by her selection for AFI's prestigious Directing Workshop for Women (DWW).
Breakthrough and Success:
Hanelle's breakthrough came with her DWW short film, A Single Rose, which won numerous awards and screened at film festivals worldwide, including the 2004 ICG Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival. Her viral short film spoof, Six and the City, led to the greenlight for her first independent feature, the supernatural thriller Within, starring Mia Ford, Sammi Hanratty, and featuring Aisha Hinds.
Television Career:
Hanelle's television career took off after participating in NBC Universal's Directing Initiative, which led to an episodic directing role for Parenthood. She has since directed multiple shows, including Counterpart, Mayans M.C., Criminal Minds, Grimm, American Crime, The Flash, Gotham, and the upcoming AMC series, NOS4A2.
Awards and Recognition:
Hanelle has received numerous accolades, including a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series for her work on the pilot episode of Star Trek: Picard, 'Remembrance'. She has also earned a nomination for an Image Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for her work on Criminal Minds.
Professional Affiliations:
Hanelle proudly serves as Alternate Board member of the DGA and co-chair of the DGA's Women's Steering Committee. She is represented by Verve talent agency and managed by Adesuwa McCalla at Metamorphic Entertainment.
