Career Pathways
Before applying to Hollywood CPR’s advanced craft training and job placements, candidates must demonstrate readiness for professional union-level production environments. This typically means having:
An understanding of set culture and crew roles on professional productions
A portfolio featuring projects you’ve worked on related to your craft
At least 200 hours logged in a specific craft from projects, coursework, or related experience
Industry Professionals willing to vouch for your readiness to work on union-level productions
Hollywood CPR works with approved pipeline partners to design entry-level training and up-skilling programs that help participants:
Turn experience into an industry-recognized portfolio
Develop technical and safety fundamentals
Find a community of like-minded peers
Develop the baseline skills needed to operate as a freelanced, project-based contractor
Understand the difference between non-union and union-level production work
LOCAL 705 - Costume Pathway
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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.
Approved Pipeline Partners:
LACCD Fashion Design Program + Finished Costume Certificate in partnership with Hollywood CPR at Trade Tech
LOCAL 44 - Multiple Pathways
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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 is physical and technical. It requires strength, precision, spatial awareness, and the ability to move quickly while keeping everything stable and safe.
Props professionals handle the objects actors interact with. They break down the script to identify needed items, source or fabricate them, track their use, and maintain continuity across scenes. Their work requires organization, research, documentation, and coordination with multiple departments.
Approved Pipeline Programs
LACCD Set Dressing/Props or Construction Program Program + FLM PRD 100 & FLM PRD 300
LOCAL 600 - Camera Pathway
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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 within the Cinematographers Guild, laying the foundation for long-term growth in the field. This is not a career pathway for aspiring Cinematographers.
Approved Pipeline Partners
LACCD Camera Assistant Program + FLM PRD 100 & FLM PRD 300
LOCAL 728 - Set Lighting Pathway
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If you’ve ever wondered how a scene gets its mood, drama, or magic, the Set Lighting pathway teaches you how to shape light like a pro. Students are introduced to the craft of studio electrical lighting. Topics include 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.
Candidates must not be afraid of heights and must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. throughout the day.
Approved Pipeline Programs
LACCD Set Lighting Program + FLM PRD 100 & FLM PRD 300
LOCAL 80 - Grip Pathway
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If you’ve ever wanted to be the person who makes impossible camera shots and epic set-ups actually happen, the Grip pathway shows you how it’s done. 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.
Approved Pipeline Programs
LACCD Grip Program + FLM PRD 100 & FLM PRD 300
LOCAL 706 - Hair & Makeup Pathway
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Approved Pipeline Program
Los Angeles Trade Tech Cosmetology Program + FLM PRD 100 & FLM PRD 300
LOCAL 700 - Editing Pathway
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No approved pipeline programs at this time. Check back soon!
LOCAL 695
LOCAL 33 - Stage Technician Pathway
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Stagecraft personnel are technicians who construct sets, lighting, audio, and visual systems for various stage productions, concerts, and live theater and television shows.
Specifically, this bootcamp-style training experience introduces students to basic rigging, set lighting, audio, and set construction methods for game shows, concerts and theater productions. Students will learn about crew dynamics, chain of command and proper protocols. Local 33 is the only union that combines the skills of multiple other trades into one.
Students who want to be a strong candidate for this pathway should consider completing the Grip Pathway first.
Candidates must be comfortable working up high, able to lift at least 50 lbs repeatedly, and physically agile enough to safely climb on and off stage platforms and set structures.
Not Accepting Applications: Join Interest List
LOCAL 729 - Painting & Sign Graphics
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Approved Pipeline Partner
Los Angeles Trade Tech Sign Graphics Program + FLM PRD 100 & FLM PRD 300
LOCAL 871 - Script Supervisor Pathway
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No approved pipeline at this time.