Actor-Turned-Producer Champions Bold, Emotional Storytelling Through Cedarvale Studios
Justin Hartley is no longer just starring in the stories—he’s shaping them from the ground up. The This Is Us and Tracker actor has officially launched his own production company, Cedarvale Studios, with the aim of developing character-driven films and television shows that blend emotional resonance with grounded storytelling. The move marks a major milestone in Hartley’s career evolution from actor to creative powerhouse.
Inspired by the quiet strength of midwestern values and personal storytelling, Cedarvale Studios will specialize in intimate dramas, ensemble-driven narratives, and passion projects often overlooked by larger studios. Hartley, who will serve as CEO and executive producer, says the goal is simple: “Tell stories that matter and give a platform to voices that need to be heard.”
Building a Creative Haven Outside Hollywood’s Traditional Mold
Based in Austin, Texas, rather than Los Angeles, Cedarvale Studios aims to foster a more grounded creative process. Hartley was drawn to the cultural and artistic vibe of Austin, calling it “a place where authenticity and art go hand in hand.” The choice to base operations there also aligns with the studio’s mission to produce content that reflects the overlooked corners of American life.
In a press statement announcing the launch, Hartley shared: “I want Cedarvale to be a place where writers, directors, and actors feel free to tell the kinds of stories that don’t always fit the formula—stories about real people, small towns, difficult choices, and the complicated things we feel but don’t always say out loud.”
An Ambitious Slate of Projects Already in Motion
Cedarvale’s first slate of projects is already generating buzz. In addition to Dust to Dawn, which Hartley is both directing and producing, the studio has greenlit a limited series titled The Violet Hour, a historical thriller set in 1940s Kentucky that centers on a young woman uncovering dark family secrets. Emmy-nominated writer Angela Kang (The Walking Dead) is attached as showrunner.
Another film, Split Timber, tells the story of a father and daughter struggling to survive an isolated winter after a freak blizzard leaves them trapped in their mountain cabin. The psychological drama is being penned by novelist Thomas Mullen (Darktown) and is rumored to star Hartley in a supporting role.
The studio is also in early talks to adapt a bestselling memoir about a family’s experience with Alzheimer’s into a poignant miniseries—a project Hartley has described as “deeply personal.”
Empowering New Voices and Diverse Storytellers
One of Cedarvale’s founding principles is the promotion of emerging talent, especially women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ creators. Hartley is partnering with several nonprofit organizations to offer mentorships, screenwriting labs, and funding grants for underrepresented artists. “There’s so much incredible talent out there waiting to be heard,” Hartley said. “We want to be the company that listens.”
The studio is already fielding pitches from young filmmakers and writers across the country and plans to host its first development lab in early 2026, with winners receiving production support and distribution assistance through Cedarvale’s growing network of streaming partners.
Industry Response and Future Outlook
Cedarvale Studios has quickly drawn attention from Hollywood insiders for its bold vision and Hartley’s hands-on approach. Major talent agencies like CAA and WME are reportedly already seeking collaboration opportunities, and several streaming platforms have expressed interest in first-look deals.
Reese Witherspoon, a frequent collaborator of Hartley’s and fellow actor-producer, praised the move: “Justin has a deep instinct for stories that connect. He’s not just building a company—he’s creating a space where authenticity thrives.”
Though still in its infancy, Cedarvale Studios represents a significant shift in Hartley’s career—one that positions him not only as a leading man but as a creative leader with purpose and perspective.
