Hollywood CPR receives a high volume of interest from individuals eager to move quickly into craft training or paid work. Because film and television careers are project-based and relationship-driven, moving too fast often leads to burning bridges with decision makers or missed opportunities.

This page explains how our Crew Model works, who each stage is designed for, and what is required before advancing. Please review this information carefully before submitting questions or interest forms. Most eligibility and timing questions are answered below.

Hollywood CPR Crew Model

Emerging Crew

Emerging Crew are individuals who are exploring careers behind the scenes or have began to engage with the industry.

Hollywood CPR recommends pipeline programs to help Emerging Crew members:

  • explore different crafts

  • understand how project-based production work functions

  • gain early exposure to production environments

  • begin building the relationships that later lead to paid opportunities

  • be a competitive applicant for Hollywood CPR’s IATSE Craft Training and paid job placements with major studios

Emerging Crew is the stage people most often try to rush.

If an individual is not already securing at least some paid work experience hours in their craft, they are typically not ready to advance.

Training Crew

Training Crew are individuals who have been accepted into Hollywood CPR’s craft-specific training with IATSE Industry Professionals.

Hollywood CPR prepares Training Crew to meet real production expectations by requiring candidates to demonstrate readiness before entering training. Entry is not automatic.

To be considered, candidates must:

  • submit a entry-level portfolio with relevant work history

  • demonstrate baseline competencies for the chosen craft

  • meet professionalism, safety, and readiness standards

This ensures training cohorts are aligned with how work is actually evaluated on professional sets.

Training Crew is the stage where readiness becomes measurable and union connections are made.

Working Crew

Working Crew are individuals who have completed Hollywood CPR training and received an endorsement from an IATSE craft professional.

Hollywood CPR supports Working Crew as they begin transitioning into paid, supervised, union-aligned work opportunities when appropriate.

Placement is based on:

  • demonstrated readiness

  • employer demand

  • availability of productions in your craft

As Working Crew complete work experiences hours toward the 640-hour paid work experience requirement, they are eligible to submit their portfolio for graduation.

Hollywood CPR does not guarantee job placement or union membership. Our role is to ensure individuals are prepared to succeed when opportunities arise so they can build long-term careers.

Pipeline Programs

The programs listed below are examples of education and training environments that help individuals build the foundational craft skills, industry portfolios, and early production experience required to apply to Hollywood CPR’s IATSE Craft Training.

California residents may qualify for 2 free years of college through the College Promise Program.

LA Trade Tech College

West Los Angeles College

LA City College

See where FILM PRODUCTION 101 is offered next to start your journey!

CALENDAR

See when classes are offered and when you can apply to Hollywood CPR’s IATSE Craft Training next.

Production Literacy

1

Demonstrated ability to:

  • explain how film/TV projects are structured (departments, hierarchy, workflow)

  • distinguish between studio, episodic, commercial, and independent production contexts

  • understand call sheets, departments, and set roles

  • articulate expectations of project-based employment

Assessment options:

  • portfolio + interview, or;

  • portfolio + transcript proving course completion of FLM PRD 100 from an LACCD campus with a B or better

Production Skills

2

Demonstrated ability to:

  • explain the responsibilities of all entry-level and advanced crew members across all major union production departments

  • demonstrate familiarity with basic tools, terminology, and workflows used across departments

  • follow instructions and adapt to different departmental work habits

  • apply basic safety awareness while working across mixed production environments

  • demonstrate physical readiness for production work, including the ability to safely lift a minimum of 50 lbs

Assessment options:

  • portfolio + interview, or;

  • portfolio + transcript proving course completion of FLM PRD 101 from an LACCD campus with a B or better

On-Set Safety

3

Demonstrated ability to:

  • identify common safety risks in film, television, and stage environments

  • follow established safety protocols and department-specific practices

  • use basic safety equipment appropriately

  • demonstrate safe work habits under real production conditions

  • understand stop-work authority and reporting procedures

  • safely lift and handle equipment weighing at least 50 lbs

Assessment options:

  • portfolio + interview, or;

  • portfolio + transcript proving course completion of FLM PRD 101c from an LACCD campus with a B or better

Project-Based Career Readiness

4

Demonstrated ability to:

  • demonstrate understanding of set etiquette, professional conduct, and industry norms

  • explain trust-based, relationship-driven hiring systems

  • research crafts and career pathways within the entertainment industry

  • locate and pursue work opportunities using appropriate job-search strategies

  • complete required production documentation, including:

    • time sheets

    • resumes

    • business cards

    • portfolios

  • communicate professionally with employers, supervisors, and peers

  • articulate realistic career timelines and expectations

Assessment options:

  • portfolio + interview, or;

  • portfolio + transcript proving course completion of FLM PRD 300 from an LACCD campus with a B or better

Tools & Technology

5

Demonstrated ability to:

  • identify core tools and technologies relevant to the craft

  • explain their basic function and purpose

  • use tools and equipment safely and responsibly

  • follow established safety protocols and work habits

  • work efficiently with shared tools and resources

  • demonstrate physical readiness for production work, including the ability to safely lift a minimum of 50 lbs, where applicable

Assessment options:

  • portfolio + interview, or;

  • portfolio + transcript proving course completion of FLM PRD 103A, FLM PRD 106, or FASHION DESIGN 264, from an LACCD campus with a B or better

Applied Work Experience

6

Demonstrated ability to:

  • secure and complete verified paid or approved work experience in film production crafts

  • function reliably in part-time or full-time production roles

  • apply skills in real-world production environments

  • receive and respond appropriately to feedback

  • maintain professionalism across multiple workdays or projects

  • accumulate verified work experience hours toward the 640-hour benchmark

Assessment options:

  • portfolio, + project log, + supervisor evaluations, + interview or;

  • project log + transcript proving course completion of FLM PRD 901 or 911, or FASHION DESIGN 941 from an LACCD campus with a B or better