From Leading Man to Creative Architect, Hartley Charts a New Hollywood Path
Justin Hartley is best known to millions as the charming, emotionally layered characters he brings to life on screen—whether it’s the brooding Kevin Pearson of This Is Us or the rugged Colter Shaw of Tracker. But in recent years, Hartley has begun making just as much of an impact behind the camera, where he’s using his experience, instincts, and empathy to shape the future of television and film.
This evolution marks a significant shift in Hartley’s career: from actor-for-hire to creative producer and narrative strategist, someone with a seat at the decision-making table who is now influencing the types of stories Hollywood tells. This article explores Hartley’s burgeoning career as a producer—his vision, values, and the kinds of characters he wants to champion in the next phase of entertainment.
Laying the Groundwork: Learning the Business from Within
Justin Hartley didn’t jump into producing overnight. After two decades working across television—from daytime soaps and superhero dramas to prestige ensemble casts—he developed a deep understanding of what makes a story resonate.
In interviews, Hartley has spoken about how closely he watched directors, writers, and showrunners. “I wasn’t just learning my lines,” he said. “I was watching how stories got built. How characters evolved. I became a student of the full process.”
His time on This Is Us in particular offered a front-row seat to a masterclass in emotionally driven, structurally ambitious storytelling. Hartley credits showrunner Dan Fogelman with giving him the space to contribute ideas and ask questions. That experience ignited his desire to take a more active role in development.
Founding Change Jar Studios: A Platform with Purpose
In 2022, Hartley officially launched Change Jar Studios, a production company aimed at developing original content across drama, thriller, and documentary formats. The name reflects Hartley’s belief in small acts of storytelling that create lasting impact.
The company’s mission is clear: to champion stories that blend emotional depth with commercial appeal. Hartley isn’t interested in shock for shock’s sake or gimmicks—he’s focused on human-centered narratives that explore resilience, grief, redemption, and the quiet heroism of everyday people.
Early projects under the Change Jar Studios banner include Tracker, where Hartley serves as both star and executive producer, and the upcoming political thriller Capital Veins, which is already drawing awards-season buzz.
Producing with Empathy: A Different Creative Leadership Style
On set, Hartley is known for his collaborative and emotionally attuned leadership. Crew members and co-stars describe him as deeply invested in making sure everyone feels heard, from background actors to writers. “He leads with kindness, not ego,” said a Tracker assistant director.
As a producer, Hartley doesn’t just chase “what sells.” He’s focused on what matters. He reviews scripts with an eye for authenticity, challenges cliché character arcs, and pushes for diverse voices behind the scenes. He’s particularly passionate about telling stories that explore masculinity, trauma, and the struggle for identity—themes he believes are still underrepresented in mainstream entertainment.
Tackling Real Issues: Truth Be Buried and Beyond
One of Hartley’s most ambitious projects as a producer is Truth Be Buried, a docuseries for HBO Max that delves into unsolved crimes in rural America. In addition to hosting and narrating the series, Hartley is spearheading its creative vision, ensuring that it balances journalistic integrity with human empathy.
“I didn’t want to make another sensationalized true crime show,” he said. “I wanted to make something that cared about the people left behind.”
This approach reflects Hartley’s core belief as a producer: stories should never exploit pain—they should honor it. It’s a principle he applies across genres, whether he’s producing a slow-burn thriller, a family drama, or a biographical film.
Mentoring and Building the Next Generation
Part of Hartley’s producing mission also involves mentoring emerging talent. Through Change Jar Studios, he’s created fellowships and partnerships with screenwriting labs to identify fresh voices, particularly from marginalized communities.
He often brings in young writers to shadow production meetings, giving them exposure and experience they wouldn’t typically access. “If you’re lucky enough to have a seat at the table, you better make room for others,” Hartley told The Hollywood Reporter.
His goal is to build a pipeline where talent isn’t discovered by luck, but by design and outreach—helping ensure the future of storytelling is more inclusive, more nuanced, and more reflective of real life.
Vision for the Future: A Storytelling Legacy
What kind of legacy does Hartley hope to leave as a producer? He’s said he wants to be known not just for the roles he played, but for the stories he empowered. In a content-saturated era, Hartley is betting that audiences crave honesty over spectacle and that thoughtful, character-first storytelling will always matter.
He’s currently developing several new projects, including a father-daughter drama set in post-Katrina New Orleans, a miniseries about a firefighter’s PTSD journey, and a feature film inspired by a real-life wrongful conviction case. All reflect his ongoing interest in the human spirit and the personal cost of resilience.
Conclusion: Not Just the Face of Stories—Now Their Architect
Justin Hartley has spent decades learning how to inhabit characters. Now he’s learning how to build the worlds they live in.
As he moves deeper into producing, Hartley is proving that his influence extends far beyond the screen. He is not content to simply act—he wants to shape, guide, and elevate the stories that shape our world.
And in doing so, he’s becoming one of Hollywood’s most thoughtful, empathetic, and quietly revolutionary creative forces.
