Earn the Hollywood CPR Entertainment Artists, Crafts & Technicians Certificate
Program Basics
The Hollywood CPR Entertainment Artists, Crafts & Technicians Certificate is a one-of-a-kind, multi-tiered, entry-level education training program designed by Hollywood CPR in collaboration with 10+ locals under IATSE.
*It is a 2-part training program, designed to ensure a graduate’s ability to work, on set, Day One - after completion.
The pre-training program at West Los Angeles College is encapsulated in the Film/TV Production Crafts Certificate and covers the entire spectrum of the entertainment industry's crew career pathways. Study options include crafts often absent from formal learning environments, such as stagecraft, grip, set lighting, set painting, costuming and set dressing, as well as more traditional disciplines such as camera, sound, and editing - AVID Certification.
Via face to face and online instruction, qualified students learn these specialized skills from industry professionals who are masters in their trade. Foundational classes focus on the most important and common skills expected of an entry-level worker. The program includes comprehensive life skills coaching and support to promote success in obtaining and maintaining employment along any career pathway. Craft classes function like a real-world production to prepare students for the working conditions they will experience on a film, stage or television production.
Getting to the Hollywood CPR Certificate
Pre-Training @ West Los Angeles College:
FILM/TV PRODUCTION CRAFTS PROGRAM
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT (COA)
TOTAL : 27 UNITS
Intro Course (3 Units)
Production Skills (3 units)
Crafts Coursework (3-6 units)
Additional Craft Course (3-6 units)
Directed Study (6-9 units)
Portfolio Class (2 units)
TIME TO COMPLETION:
9 months – 2 years depending on craft pathway (not all crafts are offered every semester) and if attending full or part time
Getting Started
This section will guide prospective students through the steps to start the pre-training coursework at West Los Angeles College for the Hollywood CPR Entertainment Artists, Crafts & Technicians Certificate.
Key Program Details
The pre-training program begins AT WEST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE by taking the Film/TV Production Crafts Certificate Program. The first class you take is Introduction to Motion Picture Television & Stage Crafts (FLM PRD 100). It is a required class for students who are interested in taking any of the craft classes. Upon successful completion of the prerequisite FLM PRD 100 (Grade C or better), students will then take the Production Skills class and the core classes that pertain to their career pathway, then select one of the CRAFT classes.
All film production students who are interested in applying for the Hollywood CPR Entertainment Artists Crafts & Technicians Certificate will start with the following REQUIRED courses –
FLM PRD 100 – Intro Motion Picture, Television & Stage Crafts
FLM PRD 101 – Production Skills
FLM PRD 101C – Safety
Then, depending on the craft, students will take either –
FLM PRD 103 – Tools (Required for Grip, Set Dressing, Set Lighting, Set Painting, Costume)
FLM PRD 106 – Tech (Required for Camera, Sound, Editing, Virtual Production)
Pre-training typically requires 18 months to 2 years to complete – but can be completed in one academic year (9 months) -- and includes many components of training designed by IATSE Union (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) professionals. The craft classes also bring in industry professionals as guest instructors, many of whom are crew members themselves. This gives students the advantage of learning in an apprentice-style environment. Each student follows the same pathway; all production experience is very helpful, however, outside work, previous experience, completion of a similar class, does not count – no exceptions.
In order to advance in the program, students must demonstrate excellent attendance, a positive attitude, a passion and desire to work in their craft, respect for the crew and their place in it, and sufficient mastery of the core entry-level skills needed to prosper in their chosen craft.
The rigorous nature of the program offers many rewards beyond the unique opportunity to study entertainment industry crafts with seasoned professionals. Participants will learn how to communicate effectively, to be self-starting, organized and proactive, how to cultivate and maintain support networks, to nurture their creativity and careers, and ultimately, how to succeed.
Before You Apply to West Los Angeles College Pre-training
Important Considerations: Enrollment at West LA College may be limited due to health and safety considerations, as well as the constraints of regional planning or legal requirements imposed by statues, regulations or contracts. Enrollment may also be limited to students meeting prerequisites and co-requisites and established pursuant to Title 5, sections 55200 and Board Rule 8605.
International Students: Speak directly with a counselor. Contact them here.
Working Requirements: If you plan on applying to the Hollywood CPR Certificate Program and working in the entertainment industry, Hollywood CPR prepares you to be eligible to work. (Hollywood CPR’s Certificate is not required for those who are only taking the classes to learn particular skills and/or are planning only to receive the West Los Angeles College Film/TV Production Crafts Certificate.)
YOU MUST:
Be at least 18 years of age;
Be a legal resident of IATSE Southern California counties (Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Ventura);
Have valid work required I-9 documents: California Driver’s License & Social Security Card - OR - A valid passport or Permanent Resident Card.
Costs + Financial Aid
FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
AVERAGE COST: Program costs are $138.00 for an average course.
For example: The FLM PRD 100 is 3 units at $46 per unit.
RESIDENCY: You are deemed a California resident if you have had documented residence within the state for at least one year and one day, PRIOR TO REGISTERING.
Parking: $20.00 for the semester OR $2 per day
Health/Misc Fees: $19.00
Typical Program Total: $177 w/parking OR $157 w/out parking for first class; $1,242 for all classes (27 units X $46 per unit)
There are additional West Los Angeles community college fees that are required to register for the program; however, there is FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE. Apply for a California College Promise Grant fee waiver AND apply for financial aid online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The WLAC Federal School Code is: 008596.
For more information, please see the West Los Angeles College Tuition & Fees page.
STEP ONE.
Apply to West LA College
Visit the West Los Angeles College APPLICATION PORTAL and complete the process.
Within a few days you will receive your STUDENT ID NUMBER via email. It starts with 90 under the new system.
Once you’ve received your student ID number and made sure you’ve applied under the FILM/TV PRODUCTION CRAFTS program you can enroll in your first course!
LOGIN to your new account and enroll in Film Production 100: Introduction to Motion Picture and Television Crafts.
STEP TWO.
The Hollywood CPR Entertainment Artists, Crafts & Technicians Certificate
The Hollywood CPR Certificate is an additional merit-based distinction above and beyond the West LA College Certificate of Achievement that signifies that you have completed courses that introduce you to the entry-level classification skills of a particular craft and can be recognized by the unions and producers of the entertainment industry. Hollywood CPR Certificate does not certify you as an expert in any field. Certification, if required, will be provided by your employer, or state or federal agency.
APPLICATION AND REVIEW
*You must complete STEP ONE at West Los Angeles College prior to enrollment in order to be eligible to apply
Hollywood CPR Certificate application and review sessions will be conducted annually for qualified candidates.
The time to completion is 2-6 months upon the completion of the WLAC Certificate of Achievement.
This is a merit-based distinction, and it is reserved for those trainees who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their studies and their craft. Upon the successful completion of the West Los Angeles Certificate of Achievement in Film/TV Production Crafts with a minimum of a 3.0 “B” grade point average AND A MINIMUM OF A “B” GRADE IN CRAFT PURSUING, and 640 hours of directed study, trainees are eligible to APPLY for the Hollywood CPR Certificate. Prospective candidates along this track must complete a rigorous application and review process above and beyond the standard training requirements of the West LA College Certificate of Achievement, including (but not limited to):
Recommendation from IATSE instructor
A successful hands-on demonstration of skills
Tools or technician classes
Basic math, reading and computer proficiency
Successful completion of additional life skills & directed study training
Clean drug test & background check
Finally, although the Hollywood CPR Certificate distinguishes its bearer as a trained, employment-ready individual, and is recognized by unions and employers, it does not guarantee admission into any given craft local, nor does it guarantee job placement.
Hollywood CPR Work Ethics & Best Practices
Reliability
Respect
Professionalism
Teamwork
Positivity
Confidence
Integrity
Attendance
Acceptance
Appearance, Readiness to Work & SAFETY
Solidarity & Collaboration
Attitude
Initiative
Accountability
ATTENDANCE: Show up BEFORE call time.
ACCEPTANCE: Demonstrate appropriate set etiquette; accept your place on the crew; respect all levels of talent & crew.
APPEARANCE, READINESS TO WORK & SAFETY: Dress appropriately for the job; show up with required tools; AND ALWAYS PUT SAFETY FIRST!
SOLIDARITY & COLLABORATION: LISTEN and FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS from all KEYS and CREW. WORK TOGETHER.
ATTITUDE: Be passionate and committed to your job. Be grateful for every opportunity to work.
INITIATIVE: Strive to meet expectations.
ACCOUNTABILITY: Always be trustworthy. Do EXACTLY what instructed to do.
