Taylor's biography begins with his birth in Oakland, California, where his childhood was temporarily interrupted by a few years spent in Norway. His educational trajectory took him to the University of Montana and later to San Francisco State University, where he majored in poetry and play-writing before transitioning to screenwriting in 1993.
Notably, Taylor has chosen to frequently produce and work on films in the San Francisco bay area, eschewing the major studios in Hollywood and Los Angeles. In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, he emphasized his strong affinity for staying based in San Francisco, citing his deep roots in the city, which date back to his involvement with a literary series at Intersection for the Arts. He has also highlighted the benefits of remaining independent, including greater creative control and the ability to create unconventional films.
In 1994, Taylor penned his first feature film, Pontiac Moon, marking the beginning of his career as a screenwriter.
