Hollywood CPR’s Career Pathways

Readiness Programs

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 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.

View Pipeline Programs

LOCAL 705 - Costume

If you’re detail-oriented, love storytelling through clothing, and thrive in fast-paced environments, this pathway trains you for entry-level roles as a Finished Costumer — organizing, tracking, and maintaining costumes on set while supporting designers and ensuring continuity for every scene.

Interest Form

LOCAL 44 - Set Dressing

Set Dressers construct and install the environment — placing and securing furniture, hanging artwork, adjusting layouts, and maintaining visual continuity from shot to shot. Their work requires strength, precision, spatial awareness, and the ability to move quickly while keeping everything stable and safe.

Interest Form

LOCAL 600 - Camera

This pathway trains students for entry-level positions in the camera department — specifically Digital Utility and Loader — by teaching camera media handling, department roles, and the chain of command. This is not a career pathway for aspiring Cinematographers.

Interest Form

LOCAL 728 - Set Lighting

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This pathway includes how to safely and correctly handle and operate lighting instruments, stands, mounting equipment, and power distribution systems and the basics of optical physics, lighting design, crew dynamics, film/TV production, set protocol, workplace safety and some special effects.

Interest Form

LOCAL 80 - Grip Pathway

Topics include all non-electrical lighting, rigging and rigging systems, all camera movement, dollies, tracks and booms, and building platforms and support stages safely. Grips are able to create movies in any type of condition or terrain. Students will learn about crew dynamics, chain of command and proper set protocols.

Interest Form

LOCAL 706 - Hair & Makeup

Interest Form

LOCAL 700 - Assistant Editors

Interest Form

LOCAL 695 - Sound

Interest Form

LOCAL 33 - Stage Tech

Interest Form

LOCAL 729 - Set Painting

Interest Form

LOCAL 871 - Script Supervisors

Interest Form

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