
Hollywood CPR Training Pathways
Our instruction goes beyond basic requirements, immersing students in the full range of technical, safety, and professional skills needed to succeed on set. Taught by experienced union members and in alignment with IATSE standards, our program emphasizes set etiquette, safety, and the unspoken rules of crew culture. This depth of preparation has earned Hollywood CPR a trusted reputation across studios and unions, with graduates consistently recognized for their professionalism, readiness, and long-term success in union careers.
LOCAL 705
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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.
Students must be able to lift 50 lbs, work on their feet for extended periods, and navigate the fast-paced set environment. Strong communication skills, professionalism, and the ability to work closely and respectfully with talent are essential.
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The following courses are required at Los Angeles Trade Technical-College to complete the Costume Pathway:
Semester 1 (Fall 2025)
Fashion Design 119A - History of Costume I
Fashion Design 125B - Textile Science
Fashion Design 264 - T01 Apparel Computer Systems Analysis
Film Production 100 – Intro to Motion Picture and TV Production Crafts
Film Production 103A - Beginning Tools for Production Crafts (Level I)
Semester 2 (Spring 2026)
Film Production 131 - Logistics and Budgeting for Costumes (Level II)
Please note FLM PRD 103A must be taken before FLM PRD 131, these classes cannot be taken out of order.
Fashion Design 941 - Cooperative Education (Work Experience 640 hours)
While earning the Finished Costuming Certificate from Los Angeles Trade Technical-College, students train directly with active union professionals through Hollywood CPR’s partnership with the college. This ensures that every class is rooted in real-world industry standards from day one. Completion of the LATTC certificate with a B or higher in all coursework is a prerequisite for the Hollywood CPR Certificate, which requires additional craft-specific training hours and a final portfolio review. This added layer of preparation ensures students meet the high standards expected by union crews and industry employers—setting them up not just for entry, but for long-term success.
Interested students should apply to LATTC and meet with a guidance counselor to enroll in the required courses.
LATTC: Finished Costuming Certificate
Counselor: Angela Ortiz, (213) 763-3640
LOCAL 44
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PROPS
Prop makers are the core of virtually all studio construction. On any sound stage or location, they are crucial in the effort to transport the imagination of the motion picture and television audience through time and space. They might have to construct anything from a boat to a train, plane, or automobile; or a covered wagon, a rocket, a chariot, or even a submarine. Propmakers work with wood, plastic, foam, rubber, and metal to build props and sets that are seen in production. Areas include basic carpentry, building sets and props, and gaining proficiency of the many tools utilized, including 3D printers, CNC machines and other emerging technologies.
SET DRESSING
Once the physical walls of the set are constructed or the location has been chosen, set dressers are responsible for bringing in the surroundings and objects known as "set dressing” – furniture, rugs, lighting fixtures, and more, which contribute to telling the story and support the vision of the Production designer, writer, director and producer. This pathway teaches the entry-level skill requirements for set dressing. Students will learn about crew dynamics, chain of command and proper set protocols.Candidates must not be afraid of heights and must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs throughout the day.
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The following courses are required at West Los Angeles College to complete the Set Dressing/Props Pathway:
FLM PRD 100 – Intro to Film, TV, and Video Production Crafts
FLM PRD 101 – Production Skills
FLM PRD 101C - Production Safety
FLM PRD 103A – Beginning Tools for Production Crafts
FLM PRD 110A – Set Dressing Crafts Level 1
FLM PRD 110B – Set Dressing Crafts Level 2
FLM PRD 300 - Entertainment Industry Career Prep
FILM PRD 901/911 - Cooperative Work Experience (3 units)
While earning the Certificate of Achievement in Film/TV Production Crafts from West Los Angeles College, students train directly with active union professionals through Hollywood CPR’s partnership with the college. This ensures that every class is rooted in real-world industry standards from day one. Completion of the WLAC certificate with a B or higher in all coursework is a prerequisite for the Hollywood CPR Certificate, which requires additional craft-specific training hours and a final portfolio review. This added layer of preparation ensures students meet the high standards expected by union crews and industry employers—setting them up not just for entry, but for long-term success.
Interested students should meet with a guidance counselor at WLAC to enroll in courses specific to their certificate requirements.
WLAC: Certificate of Achievement in Film/TV Production Crafts
Counselor: Elvia Viramontes, (310) 287-7242
LOCAL 600
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If you’re drawn to the heart of visual storytelling and want to work hands-on with the tools that shape every frame, the Camera pathway puts you right behind the lens. 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.
Students must have excellent writing and communication skills, be competent with ever-changing technology, not be afraid of heights and be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs throughout the day.
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The following courses are required at West Los Angeles College to complete the Camera Pathway:
FLM PRD 100 – Intro to Film, TV, and Video Production Crafts
FLM PRD 101 – Production Skills
FLM PRD 101C - Production Safety
FLM PRD 106 – Tech Literacy for Production & Post
FLM PRD 120 – Camera Assistant/Digital Utility Level 1
FLM PRD 121 – Camera Assistant/Digital Utility Level 2
FLM PRD 300 - Entertainment Industry Career Prep
FILM PRD 901/911 - Cooperative Work Experience (3 units)
While earning the Certificate of Achievement in Film/TV Production Crafts from West Los Angeles College, students train directly with active union professionals through Hollywood CPR’s partnership with the college. This ensures that every class is rooted in real-world industry standards from day one. Completion of the WLAC certificate with a B or higher in all coursework is a prerequisite for the Hollywood CPR Certificate, which requires additional craft-specific training hours and a final portfolio review. This added layer of preparation ensures students meet the high standards expected by union crews and industry employers—setting them up not just for entry, but for long-term success.
Interested students should meet with a guidance counselor at WLAC to enroll in courses specific to their certificate requirements.
WLAC: Certificate of Achievement in Film/TV Production Crafts
Counselor: Elvia Viramontes, (310) 287-7242
LOCAL 728
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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.
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The following courses are required at West Los Angeles College to complete the Set Lighting Pathway:
FLM PRD 100 – Intro to Film, TV, and Video Production Crafts
FLM PRD 101 – Production Skills
FLM PRD 101C - Production Safety
FLM PRD 103A – Beginning Tools for Production Crafts
FLM PRD 140A – Set Lighting Crafts Level 1
FLM PRD 140B – Set Lighting Crafts Level 2
FLM PRD 300 - Entertainment Industry Career Prep
FILM PRD 901/911 - Cooperative Work Experience (3 units)
While earning the Certificate of Achievement in Film/TV Production Crafts from West Los Angeles College, students train directly with active union professionals through Hollywood CPR’s partnership with the college. This ensures that every class is rooted in real-world industry standards from day one. Completion of the WLAC certificate with a B or higher in all coursework is a prerequisite for the Hollywood CPR Certificate, which requires additional craft-specific training hours and a final portfolio review. This added layer of preparation ensures students meet the high standards expected by union crews and industry employers—setting them up not just for entry, but for long-term success.
Interested students should meet with a guidance counselor at WLAC to enroll in courses specific to their certificate requirements.
WLAC: Certificate of Achievement in Film/TV Production Crafts
Counselor: Elvia Viramontes, (310) 287-7242
LOCAL 80
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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.
Candidates must not be afraid of heights and must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs throughout the day.
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The following courses are required at West Los Angeles College to complete the Grip Pathway:
FLM PRD 100 – Intro to Film, TV, and Video Production Crafts
FLM PRD 101 – Production Skills
FLM PRD 101C - Production Safety
FLM PRD 103A – Beginning Tools for Production Crafts
FLM PRD 115A – Grip Crafts Level 1
FLM PRD 115B – Grip Crafts Level 2
FLM PRD 300 - Entertainment Industry Career Prep
FILM PRD 901/911 - Cooperative Work Experience (3 units)
While earning the Certificate of Achievement in Film/TV Production Crafts from West Los Angeles College, students train directly with active union professionals through Hollywood CPR’s partnership with the college. This ensures that every class is rooted in real-world industry standards from day one. Completion of the WLAC certificate with a B or higher in all coursework is a prerequisite for the Hollywood CPR Certificate, which requires additional craft-specific training hours and a final portfolio review. This added layer of preparation ensures students meet the high standards expected by union crews and industry employers—setting them up not just for entry, but for long-term success.
Interested students should meet with a guidance counselor at WLAC to enroll in courses specific to their certificate requirements.
WLAC: Certificate of Achievement in Film/TV Production Crafts
Counselor: Elvia Viramontes, (310) 287-7242
LOCAL 706
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Pathway currently in development
If you’re passionate about transformation and want to help bring characters to life, the Hair & Makeup pathway puts you at the intersection of artistry and storytelling. Students receive hands-on training in on-set hair and makeup techniques for film and television, including period styling, continuity tracking, hygiene protocols, and working under time pressure.
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Hollywood CPR’s Hair and Makeup Pathway is currently in development and will be based at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC) once established.
In the meantime, students can begin preparing by taking the following steps:
Join the waitlist to be notified once the program has been launched.
Enroll in LATTC’s Cosmetology Program, which offers a California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology license upon completion—a key credential for union eligibility.
LOCAL 700
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Pathway currently under revision
Hollywood CPR’s Local 700 pathway trains the next generation of Assistant Editors for union careers in post-production. From syncing dailies to managing media across complex timelines, students gain hands-on experience with the tools and workflows used by today’s top editorial teams.
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The Editing Pathway is currently being restructured to enhance training and placement outcomes.
All students interested in the Editing Pathway should complete the waitlist in order to be notified once the program is re-launched.
LOCAL 33
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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.
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.
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The Stagehand pathway operates independently in partnership with the Hollywood Palladium and is offered only once per year through a limited, invitation-only training.
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to enroll in Grip Pathway as a pre-requisite, which provides foundational skills and increases eligibility for selection into the Stagehand training program.
LOCAL 44
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Pathway currently in development
The Set Construction pathway trains students to become union-ready carpenters and scenic fabricators who bring film and television sets to life. Students gain hands-on experience in stage safety, set building, rigging, scenic automation, and tool operation, learning directly from working professionals.
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We are in the process of developing our Set Construction Pathway at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC). In the meantime, LATTC’s Carpentry Program offers core training that aligns with future HCPR integration. These courses will be part of the formal pathway once fully reactivated.
Join Hollywood CPR's waitlist to be notified once the program has been launched.
LOCAL 729
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Pathway under revision
If you have an eye for detail and love the idea of transforming blank surfaces into immersive worlds, the Set Painting & Sign Graphics pathway shows you how to bring environments to life. Students learn scenic painting techniques used in film and television, including aging, distressing, faux finishes, and large-scale texture work. The course also covers hand lettering, graphic replication, and the creation of custom signage to match period and story requirements. Training emphasizes safety, surface prep, and collaboration with Art Department teams on fast-paced sets.
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The Set Painting & Sign Graphics Pathway is currently being restructured to enhance training and placement outcomes.
Join Hollywood CPR's waitlist to be notified once the program has been re-launched.