Build Your Foundation

Before applying for Hollywood CPR’s Emerging Crew Program, candidates should be prepared to work in a professional, union-level production environment.

Applicants typically have:

  • A working understanding of professional set culture, department roles, and crew expectations

  • A portfolio that shows hands-on experience related to their selected craft

  • At least 200-300 hours of relevant craft experience gained through coursework, productions, or related work

  • Industry professionals who have directly observed their work and are willing to recommend them for an entry-level position on a union production

Candidates who are still building this foundation are encouraged to begin with one of Hollywood CPR’s approved pipeline programs. Hollywood CPR works with community college and community partners to develop readiness programs that help participants:

  • Turn coursework and project experience into a professional craft portfolio

  • Build technical, safety, and workplace fundamentals

  • Develop relationships with peers and working industry professionals

  • Learn how to find and complete work as a freelance, project-based crew member

  • Understand the expectations and scale of professional union production work

  • Build a more competitive application for Hollywood CPR’s Emerging Crew Program

Completing a pipeline program does not guarantee acceptance into Emerging Crew or job placement, but it provides a structured way to build the experience, relationships, and evidence of readiness considered during the application process.

Pipeline Partners

  • Los Angeles Community College District

    Available to anyone at any stage in their career, Hollywood CPR partners with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) to help students transition from academic training programs into professional production environments.

    Through this collaboration, students gain access to industry-informed curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities that build the portfolio materials and references required to apply to paid on-the-job training opportunities with Hollywood CPR.

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  • Roybal Film & Television Magnet x INDSTRY

    Roybal Film & Television Magnet and INDSTRY partner with Hollywood CPR to introduce students to careers in film and television production.

    This model provides early exposure to union-track opportunities, foundational understanding of set protocol and safety, and clear visibility into how production careers actually work. Through INDSTRY’s national education network, this approach is now being scaled to reach high school students nationally.

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  • Anti-Recidivism Coalition

    For more than 15 years, Hollywood CPR has partnered with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) to expand access to production careers for individuals impacted by the justice system.

    Together, we have created pathways that have connected hundreds of returning citizens to hands-on industry experience, professional mentorship, and union-aligned career opportunities that help individuals transition into stable, high-wage employment within California’s creative economy.

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  • IATSE Master Class

    Successfully implemented in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), our IATSE Master Class is a one-day immersive experience designed to give aspiring crew members a realistic introduction to film and television production with hands-on instruction and mentorship from IATSE department heads.

    This program can be delivered through schools and workforce programs seeking to provide meaningful industry exposure and team building opportunities.

  • More Coming Soon!

Get Started

Aspiring crew can learn more about Hollywood CPR by enrolling directly in the next FLM PRD 100. This is a course offered publicly in partnership with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD).

You’ll work directly with the college and your production program of choice to understand what is required and how to advance. Those who are not ready to participate in FLM PRD 100 may complete an interest form to be updated as future sessions are scheduled.

What’s Next?

View the calendar to register to see when FLM PRD 100 is offered next. Please work directly with the college regarding enrollment and participation requirements.

Registration must be completed through your LACCD campus of choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Taking FLM PRD 100 at an LACCD campus is the only guaranteed way to get hands-on support and feedback from Hollywood CPR staff prior to submitting an application to more advanced programs.

    This is offered on a quarterly basis.

  • Yes. FLM PRD 100 is required regardless of prior film school experience.

    The course serves as Hollywood CPR’s orientation and establishes a shared baseline for students to determine if the nature of project-based work and Hollywood CPR’s program expectations are realistic for where they are at in this stage of life.

  • No. Completion of FLM PRD 100 grants access to how to join HCPR’s Emerging Crew status and the ability to apply to future Hollywood CPR IATSE Craft Training.

    Admission to craft training is competitive and based on readiness, capacity, and industry demand.

  • Hollywood CPR’s Emerging Crew Program is not an introductory program. Candidates are expected to already have baseline craft skills, relevant work experience, a portfolio, and professional references. Admission is application-based, and space is limited by craft pathway, instructor capacity, and industry demand.

    Emerging Crew is a preparatory stage. Participation does not include guaranteed employment, paid placement, union membership, or qualifying IATSE craft-training hours.

    Emerging Crew members are expected to continue gaining work experience, improving their portfolios, and building professional references. Participants who later demonstrate traineeship readiness and receive an industry-professional sign-off may apply for Hollywood CPR’s Working Crew-Rotation Program and be considered for paid job placements when opportunities are available.

    Join Interest List

  • You must be 18 or older to apply for Hollywood CPR’s Emerging Crew Program. High school students are encouraged to begin through approved LAUSD magnet programs like Roybal Film and Television Magnet or LACCD college pipeline courses.

  • Currently:

    West Los Angeles College in Culver City and Los Angeles Trade Tech College in Downtown Los Angeles.

    Future:

    We are expanding this offering district-wide.

    Visit each college’s welcome center directly to inquire about production pathways. Hollywood CPR cannot answer any questions related to college enrollment or financial aid.

Orientation Requirements

  • For help with coursework, transcripts, or portfolio development, contact your college or pipeline program directly.

    Hollywood CPR does not provide advising on college coursework or portfolio development.

  • Hollywood CPR staff do not advise individuals on which craft pathway they should explore. Applicants to the Emerging Crew Program must apply with a clearly identified craft focus.

    Hollywood CPR staff work directly with pipeline programs to provide introduction to IATSE career pathways. FLM PRD 100 is the perfect start for those who are still on the fence about committing to one career pathway.

  • No. Hollywood CPR does not guarantee job placement or union membership.

    Hollywood CPR staff work with pipeline programs to prepare participants to apply to Hollywood CPR’s advanced programs that can lead to paid placements as a trainee on union productions.

  • Enroll in the next FLM PRD 100 class to find out or complete the Interest Form if you are not in a rush and just interested in learning more at this time.

Program Requirements