30 years of proven results.

Hollywood Cinema Production Resources partners with IATSE to prepare union-ready crew for long-term careers in film, television, and live events, expanding access and opportunity to industry pathways for local talent.

Film & Television Tax Credit Program 4.0

Career Readiness Compliance

All productions applying under California Film & Television Tax Credit Program 4.0 are required to complete a Career Readiness activity approved by the California Film Commission.

Hollywood CPR provides pathway-specific traineeships that meet Career Readiness requirements under §5554(d)(6), including minimum hour thresholds, hands-on technical craft experience, and required documentation for CR4 submission. Learn more here.

Career Pathways Program

Historically, productions have relied on department-specific PAs to meet labor needs. Under AB 1138, productions that instead employ Hollywood CPR trainees (many of which get their start in PA-pipeline programs) may be eligible for an additional 2% credit increase authorized by statute (AB 1138), while also meeting existing Career Readiness requirements.

This creates a direct financial incentive to supplement non-qualifying labor with pathway-specific trainees approved by IATSE to operate equipment at the Department Heads discretion. Learn more here.

What changes for production?

Productions may now supplement department-specific PA roles with pathway-specific trainees (e.g., set dressing, props, camera, grip, lighting, stagehand, costume, hair & makeup) who are already trained for technical craft environments under IATSE supervision in partnership with Hollywood CPR.

  • Trainees are placed during prep or production

  • Department Heads retain full discretion over scope of work

  • Trainees are not observational interns

  • Hiring authority remains with production

This approach simultaneously satisfies Career Readiness compliance and positions productions for eligibility under the newly authorized trainee-based credit increase.

Thanks to our unique partnership with IATSE, Hollywood CPR can handle all of the hiring logistics and departmental buy-in to help streamline the process.

How much is the incentive?

Under AB 1138, supporting the future workforce is no longer added expense, it’s a budget-positive workforce strategy. It is built directly into the incentive structure—making trainee hiring both a sound financial decision and a durable investment in the long-term health of California’s production ecosystem.

Example:

  • Total qualified expenditures: $25,000,000

  • Potential credit increase (2%): $500,000

  • Estimated trainee expense: Less than $10,000 for 30 production days (includes fringe)

This means productions can hire up to 4 pathway-specific trainees at standard hourly rates, fully cover their labor costs through the authorized credit increase, and still retain significant net credit value.

Why Unions and Studios Trust Hollywood CPR

For more than 30 years, Hollywood Cinema Production Resources has moved thousands of motivated Angelenos into high-wage union careers behind the scenes.

We train Angelenos without industry connections how to build long-term careers in an industry that constantly changes. That’s why many of our alumni stayed employed through industry downturns — and why more than 90% remain active union members after 15 or more years in one of the most competitive industries in the world.

Your support reinforces a proven, IATSE-signatory workforce pipeline where effort converts into long-term employment for those who deserve it most.

Donate

Partner with us.

  • Underwrite a trainee’s first year in the program — funding their real on-set hours, union-standard training, and entry into professional networks. You’ll have the option to mentor an emerging crew member and receive direct updates on their development, roles, and milestones.

    By year two you’ll start seeing their name in the credits — just like the thousands of Hollywood CPR trainees who have contributed to productions ranging from The Odyssey, Nope, Hacks, The Mandalorian, and more over our 30 year history.

  • Make it possible for hundreds of LAUSD students to receive hands-on union-led training and exposure to below-the-line careers. You’ll receive invitations to observe training in person, allowing you to witness the early development of emerging talent and the impact of your investment.

    (Limited Quantity)

  • Your investment directly converts training into paid, union-aligned employment—supporting both training materials and stipends that allow participants to complete training without financial barriers.

    You’ll receive quarterly briefings on their progress, opportunities to meet trainees and observe training, and recognition that reflects your leadership in shaping the future of Hollywood’s workforce.

    (Limited Quantity)

  • Your sponsorship secures union-level instruction by paying working professionals with pension and benefits contributions, ensuring the training is rooted in real industry standards. This investment sustains a complete, multi-stage talent pipeline and leaves a tangible legacy through optional pathway naming rights.

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