For the Season 2 finale of Hulu’s Paradise, the end of the world had to feel massive without losing sight of the people caught inside it. In “Exodus,” director Hanelle Culpepper and visual effects supervisor John Weckworth brought down the carefully constructed world of Paradise, while deliberately echoing the visual language of the series’ pilot.
This panel features 2026 Emmy-nominated directors Hanelle M. Culpepper (‘Paradise’) and Randall Einhorn (‘Abbott Elementary’), moderated by Jazz Tangcay, Variety. This interview is part of The Business series, an essential resource for actors, featuring industry professionals sharing their insights, experiences and craft.
Hanelle M. Culpepper, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
“I’m deeply grateful for this nomination. As a director, I’m always chasing stories that reach people on both an emotional and visceral level, and John Hoberg and Seena Haddad gave me exactly that with Exodus. It was an ambitious episode and that challenged me in all the best ways — one that asked every department for trust, invention, precision, and heart. It means so much to have that work recognized by my peers. I’m thankful to the Television Academy, and will be forever grateful to Dan Fogelman and Sterling K. Brown for including me in the Paradise family.”
https://www.hillview798.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/hillviewlogo.jpg00adminhttps://www.hillview798.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/hillviewlogo.jpgadmin2026-07-08 19:01:082026-07-08 19:01:082026 Emmy nominations are announced
‘Paradise’ Director Hanelle Culpepper & VFX Supervisor John Weckworth Unpack Season 2 Finale – The Process
For the Season 2 finale of Hulu’s Paradise, the end of the world had to feel massive without losing sight of the people caught inside it. In “Exodus,” director Hanelle Culpepper and visual effects supervisor John Weckworth brought down the carefully constructed world of Paradise, while deliberately echoing the visual language of the series’ pilot.
TV Director Insights: ‘Abbott Elementary’ & ‘Paradise’ | The Business | SAG-AFTRA Foundation
This panel features 2026 Emmy-nominated directors Hanelle M. Culpepper (‘Paradise’) and Randall Einhorn (‘Abbott Elementary’), moderated by Jazz Tangcay, Variety. This interview is part of The Business series, an essential resource for actors, featuring industry professionals sharing their insights, experiences and craft.
‘Paradise’ Director Hanelle M. Culpepper on Why Great Sci-Fi Shows Sweat the Small Stuff
Emmy-nominated director Hanelle M. Culpepper tells IndieWire about how to make a sci-fi season finale feel complete.
2026 Emmy Nominee Reactions
Hanelle M. Culpepper, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
“I’m deeply grateful for this nomination. As a director, I’m always chasing stories that reach people on both an emotional and visceral level, and John Hoberg and Seena Haddad gave me exactly that with Exodus. It was an ambitious episode and that challenged me in all the best ways — one that asked every department for trust, invention, precision, and heart. It means so much to have that work recognized by my peers. I’m thankful to the Television Academy, and will be forever grateful to Dan Fogelman and Sterling K. Brown for including me in the Paradise family.”
2026 Emmy nominations are announced
First Emmy Nomination for Hanelle M. Culpepper!