Hidden Empire Film Group

Co-CEOs Deon Taylor and Roxanne Avent-Taylor run the company, with Taylor acting as the primary creative driver (director, writer, producer) and Avent-Taylor leading production. Robert F. Smith is a named investor and partner, but the firm does not disclose whether he sits on an investment committee or has approval rights over greenlight decisions.

Projects are largely developed in-house through the firm's development arm, with Deon Taylor frequently directing and co-writing. The January 2026 CAA signing suggests the firm is expanding its access to externally packaged projects and talent, but the library remains predominantly Taylor-driven original productions.

It operates as a privately held film production and distribution group, not a single-family office. However, the involvement of Robert F. Smith — whose primary vehicle is Vista Equity Partners — positions Hidden Empire as a direct entrepreneurial investment rather than a traditional fund or studio.

There is no disclosed operational or financial link between Hidden Empire and Vista Equity Partners. Robert F. Smith's participation appears personal, through his capacity as an individual investor and philanthropist, rather than via Vista's funds.

The catalog is weighted toward psychological horror, action thrillers, and horror-comedies — genres that carry lower production risk and travel well internationally. Recent titles include "Fear" (psychological horror), "Fatale" (psychological thriller), and "The House Next Door" (horror/comedy).

Yes, through its subsidiary HEFG Releasing. The firm also operates Hyper Engine, a marketing agency that specializes in reaching multicultural audiences, giving it an uncommon degree of control over both distribution and audience targeting.