The Transition from Actor to Creative Architect
Justin Hartley has become a familiar face to millions thanks to his charismatic roles in hit television shows like This Is Us, Smallville, and Tracker. But in recent years, Hartley has begun carving out a new path—not in front of the camera, but behind it. His work as a producer and director reflects a deeper creative vision that extends far beyond acting. It’s a natural evolution for an artist who has long sought not just to perform, but to shape stories from the inside out.
Finding a Voice Beyond the Script
Hartley began his career under the watchful eyes of showrunners and network executives, but over time, he found himself drawn to the structural aspects of storytelling: script development, tone, pacing, and visual style. The desire to influence narrative decisions led him to explore opportunities in producing and directing.
In 2022, Hartley officially launched his own production company, Change Jar Studios, with a mission to tell human-centered stories across genres—from crime thrillers to heartfelt dramas. The company gave him the tools to develop original material and option novels, screenplays, and documentaries.
“Producing gave me the space to be part of the creative conversation from the very beginning,” Hartley said. “It’s about crafting a story’s DNA, not just interpreting it.”
Directing Debut and Lessons Learned
Hartley made his directorial debut on This Is Us, helming a poignant season 6 episode centered around themes of family reconciliation and emotional closure. The episode was widely praised by critics for its visual intimacy and restraint—a strong debut that showed Hartley’s flair for directing performance-driven drama.
Colleagues described him as calm and collaborative on set. “He knows exactly how to speak to actors, because he is one,” said series creator Dan Fogelman. “That makes a huge difference.”
Directing revealed a new creative fulfillment for Hartley, who spoke of how rewarding it was to watch scenes he’d envisioned come to life through camera placement, music, and performance rhythm.
Producing ‘Tracker’ and Other Projects
In CBS’s Tracker, Hartley serves not only as the lead actor but also as executive producer, helping to shape the tone of the show and contributing to character development arcs and story structure. The dual role allows him to ensure narrative consistency across episodes and seasons.
Hartley is also attached as a producer to several upcoming projects under Change Jar Studios, including:
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A suspense drama based on the novel The Never Game
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A limited series adaptation of a Cold War espionage story
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A documentary about grief and masculinity in American culture
A Vision Rooted in Empathy
What distinguishes Hartley as a producer and director is his unwavering commitment to emotional truth. Whether he’s overseeing a high-concept thriller or a character study, his priority is the human experience at the center of the story.
“In the end, every story is about people,” he said. “Their flaws, their fears, their choices. That’s where the heart is—and that’s what I want to protect when I step behind the camera.”
