In Egyptian, Zep means First. Tepi means Time. Together, Zep Tepi refers to the “First Time” or “A New Beginning” and is symbolized by an hourglass. Zep Tepi hieroglyphs appear before the Sphynx at Giza and explain the Creation Myth, an explanation of how the ancient Egyptian gods came to be. We like this! We like creating. And we like approaching new projects with an open mind. As if it was our very “First Time.”

Paul

PaulNihipaliJr. - Executive Producer - Creative

Paul is Zep Tepi’s writer-producer-director with an uncanny knack of taking a project from A to Z. He has written and produced shows for networks like MTV, VH1, TNT, USA, Sci-Fi, Spike, Fox Sports and A&E. In 2002, Paul served as writer-producer for Spike TV’s first original documentary series “Unseen + Untold.” In 2005 Paul produced the 2-hour special “Playboy’s Celebrity Centerfolds” for A&E. In 2008 Paul served as Writer-Producer-Director on Zep Tepi Entertainment’s first feature film, “Beach Kings” (MGM 2009). As show runner and executive producer for Zep Tepi, Paul is focused on the creative development and execution of all shows and features. Paul is a member of the DGA

BobSmiland

BobSmiland - Executive Producer - Business

Bob Smiland is Zep Tepi’s managing force. His strong leadership, extensive accounting and finance background and concise communication and people skills set the tone for Zep Tepi’s creative environment. Before co-founding Zep Tepi, Bob established the Smiland Land Company and served as president to the Smiland Paint Company, overseeing a workforce of 330 employees nationwide and generating just under $100 million dollars in annual revenue. Currently, Bob maintains Zep Tepi’s working relationships while overseeing all legal and financial aspects to production, sales and distribution on all projects. Bob earned his B.A. in sociology from The University of California - Berkeley where he was a member of the football team and now serves as a Trustee to the university. He is also a member of The Young President’s Organization (YPO), a board member for L. A. Graphico and former Chairman of the Board for Earl Scheib (ESHB).

Troy

TroyVanderHeyden – Executive Producer – Creative

Troy is Zep Tepi’s producer-director with over fifteen years experience in scripted and reality television. Troy got his start in 1996 interning on NBC’s hit show “Friends”. He made his switch into reality in 2000 on ABC’s “Making the Band” and MTV’s “The Real World: Chicago”. In 2003, Troy began a six season run directing and / or producing “The Real World” and continued with long runs on hit shows like “The Real World/Road Rules Challenge”, “The Simple Life”, “Living Lohan”, “The Bad Girl Club”, “Project Runway” and “Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami”. Most recently, Troy served as Supervising Producer to “Keeping up with the Kardashian’s”. Troy is highly experienced in the field and an ace at handling talent and finding story. As show runner and executive producer for Zep Tepi, Troy is focused on the creative development and execution of all shows and features.