Deon Taylor

Co-Founder & Director

A prolific writer, filmmaker, director and idea generator, Deon Taylor is the co-founder of Hidden Empire Film Group, which he runs with his partner Roxanne Taylor, a visionary producer and executive, and businessman and philanthropist Robert F. Smith.

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Biography

About Deon Taylor

Early Career & Athletic Background

Before entering the film industry, Deon Taylor pursued a career in professional basketball, competing at a high level and developing the discipline, resilience, and competitive drive that would later define his approach to filmmaking and studio leadership.

Transition to Film

Taylor's transition from athletics to entertainment was driven by a deep conviction that multicultural stories deserved a larger platform. He began writing and directing independently, quickly building a reputation for delivering commercially viable films on disciplined budgets.

Studio Formation

In founding Hidden Empire Film Group alongside Roxanne Taylor and Robert F. Smith, Deon created a vertically integrated studio capable of developing, producing, financing, and distributing feature films - a rare achievement in independent cinema.

Commercial Success

Taylor's directorial slate includes the hit thriller The Intruder starring Dennis Quaid, Michael Ealy and Meagan Good; the action feature Black and Blue starring Academy Award Nominee Naomie Harris and Tyrese; and Fatale starring two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank and Michael Ealy - films that have consistently outperformed expectations at the box office.

Upcoming Projects

Taylor is set to helm the sports action heist thriller Free Agents starring Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson; the John Lewis biopic Freedom Ride; a reimagined remake of the classic blaxploitation horror film Blacula with MGM and BRON; the life story of heavyweight champion Floyd Mayweather; and CJ Entertainment's horror title Grave Hill, among others.

Hidden Empire Sports Collective

As a former professional athlete, Deon Taylor founded the Hidden Empire Sports Collective to bridge the gap between professional sports and Hollywood, empowering athletes to own their stories and build lasting legacies beyond the playing field.

Body of Work