Pop-Culturalist.com

To create meaningful change in any field, you often have to be the one to lead it. That’s exactly what Liberty Hobbs has done with the founding of Lil’ Birdy Productions. Inspired by her experiences as an actor and driven by a desire to challenge outdated norms, Liberty set out to amplify underrepresented voices and tell stories that offer both escape and reflection. Her mission is clear: to create compelling narratives that break barriers and redefine how we see ourselves on screen.

Now, as the founder of a production company focused on meaningful storytelling, Liberty is forging her own path while empowering others to do the same. Whether it’s developing captivating television projects or championing authenticity in character creation, she’s bringing a fresh perspective to entertainment.

In this exclusive interview, Liberty opens up about her journey from actor to producer, the inspiration behind her company, and how she’s crafting stories that resonate with audiences across the globe.

PC: Congratulations on founding Lil’ Birdy Productions! Can you share a bit about your company’s mission and the types of stories you’re passionate about bringing to life?
Liberty: Starting Lil’ Birdy Productions came from my experience as an actor, where I was often considered only for certain roles, such as plus-size, curvy, or best-friend characters. I was never viewed as a leading lady. This inspired me to create stories for people who were not represented on screen at the time, and to amplify a feminine voice.

As for my company’s mission, I aim to tell stories that make people think. There’s so much negativity in the world right now; every time you turn on the news, there’s something horrific or sad being reported. I want audiences to be able to watch our projects and escape into the story. For me, it’s about telling compelling stories. Currently, we’re focusing on the young adult genre, but we’re open to any stories that provide a meaningful escape for audiences.

PC: You discovered your passion for storytelling through performing. How have your experiences as an actress influenced the work you are doing as a producer, and vice versa?
Liberty: Many of the roles I audition for or even book are often based on my appearance and body type, which, in 2024, is really disheartening. Having some control as a producer now allows me to create my own projects, and that’s definitely something I want to address and change. I don’t want characters to be defined by their body types. I want every character to have a backstory and a full life written around them. It’s important that these characters have lives, friends, and meaning. It’s not just about what they look like. That’s really important.

As an actor, I’ve been on the other side of the camera. Being aware of what actors see when they read a script and how they transform that into a character will change the way I approach a project. I understand what actors need within a script to tell the best story, and that knowledge will influence my work as a producer.

PC: You’re focused right now on television productions. What is it about this particular medium that lends itself to the stories you want to tell and the mission behind Lil’ Birdy Productions?
Liberty: I wish I could say this was intentional and had a deep meaning behind it. Honestly, it’s just how things have unfolded for Lil’ Birdy Productions. It’s a medium that fits what we’re working on right now.

I also genuinely love television. I love the anticipation of leaving an audience hanging week after week, waiting to find out what happens next. While streaming has changed that experience, I still appreciate the unique nature of television. At this stage, with the projects we’re developing, television is just where things are falling into place.

Tying back to the mission of escapism, television is probably the best medium for that. Think about being a kid and how every night there was a specific show you would watch to escape. That’s what I want to bring back. The industry and how we consume entertainment have evolved, but I miss the idea of dedicating Thursday nights at 7 p.m. to watch your favorite show, ignoring everything else. I love that sense of commitment and excitement, and that’s the feeling I hope to recreate with these projects.

PC: It was recently announced that you added The Perfect Parents to your slate of upcoming projects. What was it about this story that resonated with you, and what can audiences expect?
Liberty: The Perfect Parents was written by the wonderful J.A. Baker. It’s an incredible story, and I’d recommend everyone read it. What resonated with me most was that it’s set in the north of England, where I grew up. The location immediately felt familiar and connected with me, as it reflects the place that shaped my upbringing. It’s also a classic British drama that I know U.K. audiences will love. On top of that, it’s a psychological thriller, which always brings an added level of excitement.

Without revealing too much, I’ll say that it’s a dark family drama that uncovers hidden secrets and lies beneath a façade of wealth and privilege. It shows that true happiness and contentment aren’t guaranteed by financial success. In the case of Jackson Hemsworth, his growing greed only amplifies his moral failures, proving that greater wealth often leads to greater corruption.

PC: We know that you’re still early on in this journey, but has anything surprised you thus far about founding your own production company? What’s been the biggest takeaway so far?
Liberty: I’ve learned so much. My biggest lesson has been to just talk to people—be open to learning and connecting. I’ve been fortunate to speak with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds within the industry and learn from as many perspectives as possible. People have been so open, and I truly appreciate that, especially as a young woman. Years ago, someone in the industry told me to stay in my own lane, which only motivated me to do the opposite. It’s so heartening to see how willing people are to help when someone like me is trying to build something new. I’m incredibly grateful for that.

One thing that has surprised me is the difference between working on projects in the U.K. versus the U.S. It’s funny because, despite being such a small world and industry, the way things are done in England compared to the U.S. presents a significant learning curve. I’m enjoying every minute of it and am excited to see what I learn next.

To keep up with Liberty, follow her on X and Instagram.