J.T. Tepnapa's journey in the entertainment industry began with a bachelor's degree in acting from the University of California, Irvine. He has since appeared in numerous award-winning plays, features, shorts, and commercials, earning recognition for his performance in "Spinning Into Butter" in 2001.
In the same year, Tepnapa made his directorial debut with the short film "Sunflowers," which premiered at the Austin Gay & Lesbian Film Festival and the Tuscon's Outwest 2001. This project marked the establishment of his own production company, Blue Seraph Productions.
Tepnapa's subsequent collaboration with Charlie Gage resulted in the creation of "Masturbation: Putting the Fun into Self-Loving," a film that gained international recognition and distribution. The film was featured in sex-education classrooms and documentaries, and it received numerous awards and accolades.
Throughout his career, Tepnapa has continued to push boundaries, directing, writing, and producing short films such as "Drag Queen Heist" in 2004 and "Begging for Change" in 2006. These films have received critical acclaim and have been recognized at various film festivals.
Tepnapa's versatility as a writer has earned him recognition in both comedy and drama, with his screenplay "Outing Joey" receiving top honors at the Rhode Island's Barren Branches GLBT Screenplay Competition. The film, co-written with David Donihue, offers a unique perspective on contemporary gay and straight stereotypes and the tension between these two groups.
Tepnapa has also made a name for himself in the world of web series, appearing on the longest-running show "Star Trek: Hidden Frontier" as the openly gay Lt. Cmdr. Corey Aster. His work has been featured in various media outlets, including Variety, Frontiers, Fab magazine, The Today Show, MSNBC, and more.
Currently, Tepnapa is working on his dramatic feature "Judas Kiss," which is set to begin production in late 2009. This project marks his second feature screenplay, co-written with long-time friend and screenwriter Carlos Pedraza.
Throughout his journey, Tepnapa has remained committed to his passion for filmmaking and his dedication to his husband, Adam Browne. He continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, pushing boundaries and inspiring others with his unique perspective and talent.
Notable awards and recognition:
* The Ticketholder Award for Best Supporting Actor in "Spinning Into Butter" (2001)
* Best Short Honors at QCinema's Fort Worth International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival for "Drag Queen Heist" (2004) and "Begging for Change" (2006)
* Top honors at the Rhode Island's Barren Branches GLBT Screenplay Competition for "Outing Joey" (co-written with David Donihue)
