Gentry’s Buffet: Foundations of Entertainment Production Design

Mondays & Thursdays (6:30-8:30pm EST) and Saturdays (TBD)
March 31-June 20, 2026

This course is about learning how entertainment ideas move from a spark to a fully realized show — and how to present those ideas so people say yes.

In this advanced, live course, you’ll develop an original entertainment concept and take it all the way through visual development, production design, and a polished pitch deck. You’ll learn how to think like an art director and production designer, make bold conceptual choices, and clearly communicate your vision to producers, directors, and collaborators. By the end, you won’t just have an idea — you’ll have a professional presentation that can hold its own in the real world.
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About the Course

This live, 12-week course will focus on the conceptual ideation, visualization and presentation of a new show idea. You will be encouraged to freely express your new ideas boldly and confidently! Once your amazing new concept has been sold, you will take it to the next level by learning how to build a polished presentation that showcases your conceptual thinking behind the new idea. The next step will be to take a deeper dive to now create the specific layout and physical design of your new show, intended to engage visitors or onlookers experiencing the show. You will leave this course knowing how to be daring with your entertaining ideas, and how to make a memorable impression in the world of television, motion pictures/film and theater. You now know how to win over the producer and director!
Best of all, your final pitch deck will be portfolio ready!

*This is a LEVEL 3 CLASS: It is required that you work in a creative career with at least basic fundamental knowledge of various programs such as: photoshop, illustrator, Sketchup or a comfortable ability to generate rough hand drawings and/or rough sketching. This course focuses on conceptual ideation and development of new show ideas with a specific focus on Art Direction and Production Designing.
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Meet Your Instructor

Hi, I’m Gentry Akens - an award winning entertainment designer and creative director. Some refer to me as a renaissance man in that I’ve successfully ventured into many areas of the creative entertainment world of design. I began my career designing characters and layouts in animation (Hanna Barbera & Filmation), toy design (Hasbro & Mattel), live shows at the Disney and Universal Studios theme parks, an off-Broadway musical, television and motion picture design, experiential design and more. I love to identify and support new talent and look forward to embracing and embellishing your wonderful creative gifts!

What awesome people have to say about Gentry!

“I've worked with Gentry on many TV projects, including Mickey Mouse Club. Gentry is one of the most creative, intelligent, generous, sharing, interesting, positive, knowledgeable, fun people/leaders that I've ever met and have worked with. Plus, I know he loves sharing his creative knowledge with others, especially those who want to learn, he's the best. Anyone taking his course will have almost as much fun as Gentry does, and will learn a vast wealth of valuable lessons about this creative industry.”

Nick G. Woolfolk - Director and Entertainment Lighting Designer/Lighting Director

“It has been my pleasure to work with Gentry Akens for many years, both with Walt Disney Entertainment and International clients since. He is a gifted artist as a designer, as well as conceptual development and ideation. His skills in creating outstanding presentations are key to his long success in TV, film and live entertainment.”

Chase Senge - Ret. Senior Show Director, Walt Disney Entertainment & Freelance Global Creative Consultant

“For all you emerging creative directors and designers out there - this is for you! Gentry Akens is brilliant!”

Justin Stucey - Experience Producer | Blooloop 50 Immersive Influencer

“In my 35 years in the Entertainment business, it is an absolute pleasure to have worked side by side with Gentry Akens on many high profile projects. Film, Television, and Experientials. His talent is top! His communication and collaboration, the best! Any student to learn from Mr. Akens will certainly be far better and ready to participate in today's Entertainment World.”

Jonathan Dern - Multi Award Winning Producer, Executive Producer, Founder Production, Digital Distribution

Course Investment

In addition to a single payment, we offer a 2-month payment plan.
(This course has a max of 6 students)

But wait, there's more!

Since the founder of our academy is also a coach for Creatives, we wanted to give you a bunch of great bonuses, on top of the amazing things you'll be learning in this course!!

  • Time Management for Creatives

    Helping you Herd your Mental Cats

    Before your classes even begin, we provide this super fun and invaluable LIVE (online) Time Managment workshop. 50% how to increase productivity with fewer bumps in the road, and 50% how good time management benefits your mental well-being.

  • Creator Archetypes Workshop

    Who are you?!

    Learn the strengths and challenges of the 10 Creator Archetypes. Figure out which you relate to the most and how to create balance in your life and work.

  • One-on-One Coaching Session!

    Making the most of your time in the Fort

    On week 10 (of 12) in your course, every student will receive a one-on-one 60 minute coaching session with Colleen (our founder/coach). You'll discuss what you've learned, where you see things heading after the course is completed and have the opportunity to get guidance with regard to any challenges in your creative and career journey.

Gentry's Buffet: Foundations of Entertainment Production Design

Only 6 spots in this class, so sign up today!

Enroll today

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