The Rise of DaCari Taylor

In the heart of Tallahassee’s Frenchtown neighborhood, where the aromas of authentic Southern comfort food and the hum of jazz and history intertwine, a storyteller is weaving his legacy. DaCari Taylor, a Florida A&M University graduate, carries the spirit of his neighborhood in every frame he captures, script he writes, and story he creates.

Growing up in Frenchtown, Taylor’s world was shaped by porch-side conversations and the unspoken wisdom passed down by those before him who had seen it all. It was a place where stories weren’t just told—they were lived. And Taylor? He was listening.

A storyteller’s foundation: FAMU’s impact on Taylor’s vision

Before picking up a camera, Taylor walked the campus of FAMU, where he would unintentionally stumble upon his passion for storytelling. While at FAMU, Taylor served as the president of the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. During this time, his vice president, Christopher Hobbs, recognized Taylor’s creativity and encouraged him to explore filmmaking. At the time, Taylor was pursuing a degree in health science but found himself uninspired by it.

Hobbs saw something in him that Taylor himself hadn’t fully realized—an innate gift. That simple push, a suggestion to try shooting a film, motivated Taylor’s journey into filmmaking.

Taylor was resourceful and used social media as his classroom. He reached out to FAMU and Florida State University students, asking questions about cameras, film techniques, and fundraising. What started as a solo mission grew into something much bigger. His dedication attracted a team, and before he knew it, his cast and crew swelled to more than 40 people, all united by the belief in his vision. With each conversation, each lesson learned, and each new collaborator, Taylor transformed from an aspiring filmmaker into a true director, leading his team with the same confidence that once made him a leader in his fraternity.

The birth of New School Productions

With a camera in hand and a mission in his heart, Taylor co-founded a media company called New School Productions. His latest project, In the Chateau, is more than just a film—it’s a love letter to his roots. At its core, In the Chateau is an HBCU-based film that delves into imposter syndrome and the unique pressures that students face.

The film follows Raven Jones, the “it” girl on campus, who lands a full-time offer with a prestigious magazine before graduating. With opportunity comes scrutiny, and Jones finds herself navigating a world where every move is analyzed, every decision carries weight, and the pressure to maintain perfection affects her relationships and mental state. Taylor wanted to capture the interconnected nature of campus life—how one decision can create ripple effects, impacting people in unexpected ways.

Taylor’s approach to storytelling is rooted in knowing himself first—understanding his own experiences and heritage before venturing into narratives beyond his own. This philosophy guided him as he developed In the Chateau, a project that pushed him to step outside his perspective. He immersed himself in research, conducting interviews to ensure his characters reflected student-life struggles and triumphs. He didn’t want to create one-dimensional portrayals; he wanted truth.

Courtesy of DaCari Taylor

Taylor’s philosophy on filmmaking extends beyond storytelling—he champions ownership. “I don’t feel like we should have to answer to other people to get our films made,” he says.

For Taylor, true creative freedom lies in self-sufficiency: maintaining control over the narrative and distribution of his work. He believes Black creators should own their work, build their platforms, and cultivate their audiences.

What’s next?

In the Chateau is just the beginning for Taylor. His next project dives into Tallahassee’s history, focusing on FAMU Hospital. Before its closure in 1971, it was the only medical facility serving Black patients within a 90-mile radius. Taylor plans to honor this institution’s legacy through a short film that captures the struggles and triumphs of the health care workers who fought for Black lives in a segregated South.

Beyond film, Taylor is pursuing an MBA at Florida State University to learn the business side of his art. He hopes to merge storytelling and entrepreneurship to create a lasting impact.

“It’s super important right now to be educated and in the know,” he says. His goal is to build a foundation where art and ownership coexist.

For Taylor, it’s about more than making films—it’s about creating spaces where Black voices can thrive and redefining how stories of culture, identity, and community are shared. With every project, he’s building a future where creators own their narratives and tell their stories on their terms.