Meet Cecil Gentry | Production Designer (Film/Television)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cecil Gentry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cecil, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
MY career is rooted in a willingness to take meaningful risks in service of growth, craft, and storytelling. Without formal training in film production design, I made the bold decision to change careers (from Advertising-Network Buyer to Production Design) and teach myself the discipline from the ground up. Through rigorous self-study in the humanities, art history, architecture, interior design, and furniture design, I developed a holistic understanding of how space, objects, color and cultural context shape narrative—an understanding that now informs my every design choice.
Recognizing that production design is the intersection where these disciplines converge on screen, I am able to translate each independent study into practice, through learning by doing and refining my voice based on real-world experiences. Taking another significant leap of faith (risk), I relocated from New York to Los Angeles to fully pursue a career as a Production Designer in film and television, embracing uncertainty as a necessary companion to my creative ambition.
For me, risk is not reckless—it is intentional. Each calculated risk has expanded my perspective, sharpened my instincts, and reinforced my belief that growth lives just beyond comfort. That mindset continues to define my career, choosing curiosity over certainty, vision over fear, and the long arc of mastery over the safety of the familiar.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is defined by intention, depth, and storytelling through space. What sets me apart is my ability to synthesize disciplines—art history, architecture, interiors, furniture, and the humanities—into production design that is emotionally grounded and narratively precise. I don’t design to decorate; I design to reveal character, psychology, and tone. I’m most proud of building worlds that feel lived-in and purposeful, and of the trust I’ve earned from directors and collaborators who see me as a true creative partner.
Getting here was not easy—and that’s the point. I changed careers without formal training, taught myself the craft through relentless study and hands-on work, and took the risk of moving from New York to Los Angeles to pursue film. I overcame uncertainty, financial pressure, and the steep learning curve of a demanding industry by staying curious, disciplined, and resilient. Along the way, I learned that mastery comes from patience, mentorship, and showing up prepared every day. What I want the world to know about me and my brand is simple: I am a builder of meaning, a collaborator by nature, and a designer who believes risk—when taken with purpose—is the engine of growth. My story is one of earned confidence, lifelong learning, and a commitment to craft that only deepens with time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The answer to this is really easy—my best friend from high school visited me here in Los Angeles this past summer for a week and we set out to give him the full experience.
We started with spectacular driving journeys, because LA reveals itself best from behind the wheel. Cruising the PCH through Malibu is non-negotiable: ocean on one side, cliffs on the other. We stopped for long lunches and sunset dinners at Malibu dining haunts, including Nobu Malibu, where the view alone feels cinematic. Mornings were for coffee runs and coastal walks, easing into the rhythm of the city.
Culture is essential, so we spent an afternoon at The Getty Museum, soaking in the art, architecture, and sweeping views of the city. Another highlight was an evening at Walt Disney Concert Hall—even just experiencing the building itself is inspiring, a true LA icon by famed architect-Frank Gehry.
For social energy, we mixed it up at Soho House, perfect for relaxed conversation, people-watching, and that feeling of being at the center of creative life. We capped a few nights with rooftop drinks at Perch, taking in the skyline at sunset, and late dinners at Koi, where the vibe is as memorable as the food.
Throughout the week, we explored neighborhoods—Hollywood, Silver Lake, Downtown, Santa Monica—each with its own personality, hot spots, and hidden gems. The real magic came from the contrasts: beach to city, art to nightlife, quiet moments to electric energy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A heartfelt shout-out to the people and the book that shaped my path.
Robert Boyle—AFI’s former Production Design Department Dean and Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary Art Director—changed the trajectory of my life. While preparing to pursue my MFA at AFI, I had the privilege of meeting with him. What I gained in that moment wasn’t just guidance, but a mentor. His generosity, insight, and belief in working in the craft while learning the craft gave me the confidence to continue building my career in Hollywood as a Production Designer. His influence is forever embedded in how I think about story, restraint, and visual intention.
Equally transformative was the book Production Design for Screen: Visual Storytelling in Film and Television by Jane Barnwell. For the first time, I saw myself reflected on the page. The language, the thinking, the articulation of design as narrative—it gave me clarity, confidence, and permission to march forward with purpose.
I’m also deeply grateful for director and long time colleague Neema Barnette, whose unwavering support has meant the world to me. Her belief in our creative partnership—and her vow to never do a film without me as her Production Designer—is both humbling and inspiring.
Mentors, collaborators, and the right words from the right people at the right time can change everything. I am living proof.

Website: https://www.cecilgentrydesign.com

Instagram: @cecilgentryproductiondesign

Image Credits
All set images credit: Cecil Gentry photography
All poster images granted by BlumHouse