To make it all come together, director Hanelle M. Culpepper—who had previously directed two episodes of PARADISE season 1—was tasked with helming the final two episodes of the show’s sophomore season. And juggling the many different tonal elements of “The Final Countdown” and “Exodus” took a lot of teamwork.
“I had a really great first AD, Lisa Zugschwerdt, and, together, we really [were] breaking down those two scripts,” Culpepper told Give Me My Remote at Televerse. “And then [we were] working with all of our department heads to figure out the best way to tackle [the episodes], scene by scene. Like some of those scenes—like the elevator scene—had to be four different sets; [as was] talking to Link at the bunker doors. It was a lot to figure out. When you have a great partner, and you have great HODs, who can tell you their expertise, we collaborate. We can bounce ideas off each other.”
Fans are eagerly awaiting the third season of “Paradise” and thanks to Emmy-nominated director Hanelle Culpepper, we have the slightest hint of what’s to come (and we do mean slightest).
“We wrapped and it was bittersweet because for some of those crew, they’ve been together for 10 years. I’d been there with them for the three years, and that was already emotional,” Culpepper said.
Meet Hanelle M. Culpepper Meier, an award-winning executive producer and television director. After graduating from Indian Springs, Hanelle attended Lake Forest College, where she majored in economics and French, then received an M.A. in Communications Management from the University of Southern California and completed the Directing Workshop for Women at the American Film Institute.
https://www.hillview798.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/hillviewlogo.jpg00adminhttps://www.hillview798.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/hillviewlogo.jpgadmin2026-09-08 17:40:182026-09-08 17:40:18Alumni Spotlight: Hanelle M. Culpepper Meier
The event also highlighted director Hanelle Culpepper, who received her first Emmy nomination for directing the impactful episode “Exodus.” Culpepper expressed her gratitude to Brown for recommending her to Fogelman and the production team. “He is the reason I am here… he brought me into this family and has changed my life,” she said.
PARADISE: Hanelle M. Culpepper Reflects on Her Season 2 Episodes and Potentially History-Making Emmy Nomination
To make it all come together, director Hanelle M. Culpepper—who had previously directed two episodes of PARADISE season 1—was tasked with helming the final two episodes of the show’s sophomore season. And juggling the many different tonal elements of “The Final Countdown” and “Exodus” took a lot of teamwork.
“I had a really great first AD, Lisa Zugschwerdt, and, together, we really [were] breaking down those two scripts,” Culpepper told Give Me My Remote at Televerse. “And then [we were] working with all of our department heads to figure out the best way to tackle [the episodes], scene by scene. Like some of those scenes—like the elevator scene—had to be four different sets; [as was] talking to Link at the bunker doors. It was a lot to figure out. When you have a great partner, and you have great HODs, who can tell you their expertise, we collaborate. We can bounce ideas off each other.”
‘Paradise’ director on ‘bittersweet’ and ’emotional’ moment they wrapped season 3
Fans are eagerly awaiting the third season of “Paradise” and thanks to Emmy-nominated director Hanelle Culpepper, we have the slightest hint of what’s to come (and we do mean slightest).
“We wrapped and it was bittersweet because for some of those crew, they’ve been together for 10 years. I’d been there with them for the three years, and that was already emotional,” Culpepper said.
Alumni Spotlight: Hanelle M. Culpepper Meier
Meet Hanelle M. Culpepper Meier, an award-winning executive producer and television director. After graduating from Indian Springs, Hanelle attended Lake Forest College, where she majored in economics and French, then received an M.A. in Communications Management from the University of Southern California and completed the Directing Workshop for Women at the American Film Institute.
Sterling K. Brown Teases Season Three of “Paradise” at Televerse 26
The event also highlighted director Hanelle Culpepper, who received her first Emmy nomination for directing the impactful episode “Exodus.” Culpepper expressed her gratitude to Brown for recommending her to Fogelman and the production team. “He is the reason I am here… he brought me into this family and has changed my life,” she said.
Hanelle Culpepper Celebrates Her First Emmy Nomination and Her Vision for the ‘Paradise’ S2 Finale
Shadan Larki chats with director Hanelle Culpepper about Hulu’s ‘Paradise.’