Actress turned director Elizabeth Banks has told Sky News there are ‘systemic problems’ over gender equality in Hollywood but says she hopes to be an inspiration for women wanting to become film directors.

The actress, who recently starred as the eccentric character Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games franchise, makes her directorial debut in Pitch Perfect 2, the sequel to 2012’s surprise hit.

The musical comedy which is about a group of college a cappella singers called the Barden Bellas, features Australian star Rebel Wilson and Anna Kendrick.

‘It is really rare,’ Banks admitted. ‘I would hate to give the impression that because it’s rare it means it’s hard.

‘I hope it inspires more women to do the job. I’m really excited that we’re part of this legacy. It’s a big theme in the actual movie and it was really meaningful for me on a personal level.’

In recent news, Twilight star Kristen Stewart criticized Hollywood for being ‘disgustingly sexist’ saying that women had to work harder than men to be heard.

Banks agreed and told Sky News that women are at a disadvantage.

‘The numbers are not in our favour. One of the reasons I am here today, as a director and producer, is because I want to tell stories, that’s why I got into this business, why I am an actor and I definitely felt like I was underused and that I had more to offer in the industry.’

In Pitch Perfect 2, the Barden Bellas take on an international competition, which no American group has ever won, in an attempt to regain their reputation after an embarrassing performance in front of the US President.

Despite high expectations following the first film, Banks said she surprised herself at how calm she was during production.

‘I think I thought it was going to be a harder experience than it was. I mean, it was hard, of course, there’s a lot of challenges everyday, it’s a big movie, with lots of big set pieces. I was very Zen the whole time… which is not usual for me.’

As a mother, she managed to juggle the demands of the film as well as see her family.

‘I was all about making the movie, see my children, sleep.’

‘My favourite memories on set were anytime my children came to visit…feeling like I was setting a great example for my children.’

Despite reports a third film has been given the green light, Banks would not confirm whether she would be involved.