PREPARING FOR SUCCESS
The Hollywood Backdoor Alliance United (HBAu), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to helping young people build futures in
arts, media, entertainment, sustainability
& technology (FAMEStech).
About
Mission & Purpose
​The mission of FAMEStech is to uplift and empower underrepresented communities, especial youth (16 - 24), women, people of color, lgbtq+ individuals, and disabled persons, who aspire to launch or advance their careers in the entertainment industry, either in front of and behind the lens.
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Over the past two decades, HBAu has successfully championed impactful programs aimed at creating equitable opportunities and pathways into the entertainment sector. Our programs: the Hollywood Production Assistant Program (HPAp), is approaching its 20th anniversary, and our newly revamped Hollywood Teaching Assistant Program (HTAp), both offer unique work-based learning. The HPAp offers pre-apprenticeships in Digital Media Production Digital Production Management, and soon Acting (BGT) & Content Creator opportunities, while the HTAp offers expanded learning (after-school) training in performing arts, digital media, sports & fitness, environmental science, & smart device management.
Throughout and upon completion of one of programs, we have provided critical support to countless high school juniors and seniors, college students, recent graduates, and early-career adults (25+), enabling them to secure entry-level positions, internships, and employment opportunities spanning hands-on production roles and corporate industry jobs.
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Building on this successful legacy, HBAu and our supportive training partners, BDP Entertainment Group (BDPEG) and Innovative City Youth (ICY) Technology, are proud to introduce another component of our work-based learning called the AME-Higher Career Pathway Exploration (CPE). The curriculum offers comprehensive pre-apprenticeship experiences designed to guide participants through diverse career possibilities in arts, media, entertainment, sports, and tech.
Through structured learning modules, mentorship opportunities, hands-on experiences, and direct industry connections, the AME-Higher CPE aims to prepare youth and early-career adults with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate and succeed in the dynamic and evolving entertainment landscape.
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Participants in the HPAp, HTAp and AME-Higher CPE programs will benefit from:
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Industry-specific training sessions and workshops
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Direct mentorship from seasoned entertainment professionals
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Development of practical skills and industry-recognized certifications
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Career readiness resources including resume-building and interview coaching
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Opportunities for internships, job shadowing, and industry networking
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Together, HBAu’s HPAp, HTAp and AME-Higher CPE programs create a powerful pipeline, bridging the gap between aspiring talent and real-world industry opportunities, fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and dynamic entertainment workforce.
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Join us in opening doors to meaningful careers and transformative experiences in entertainment.
Are you ready to learn the skills you need to be successful in the Creative space?
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Are you passionate about arts, media, entertainment, sustainability, and tech?
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The Hollywood PA program, Hollywood TA program and AME-Higher CPE may be your next career move. Scroll down to see more about the programs and opportunities currently being offered.
Programs
Hollywood Production Assistant Program (HPAp), Hollywood Teaching Assistant Program (HTAp) welcomes new participants three times per year, corresponding with academic semesters:
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Summer Session (applications open in late May)
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Fall Session (applications open in late August)
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Spring Session (applications open in late December)
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We offer several different pre-apprenticeships, internships, externships, and soon apprenticeships, many of which are fully paid. We also partner with several companies who offer our pre-apprentices and interns entry-level jobs and/or fully paid, full and part time apprenticeships.
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AME-Higher Career Pathway Exploration (CPE)
Creative careers exploration
The AME-Higher Career Pathway Exploration (CPE) program introduces participants to diverse careers across arts, media, entertainment, sports, technology, and other emerging industries. This exploratory program includes interactive workshops, industry guest speakers, mentorship, and hands-on activities. Participants gain insights into various professions, develop essential career-readiness skills, and explore their personal interests through practical experiences. AME-Higher CPE is an ideal starting point for youth and early-career adults looking to identify their professional interests, expand career horizons, and establish clear pathways toward meaningful employment and further education.
Hollywood Production Assistant Program:
1) Digital Media Production Assistant
2) Digital Production Management Assistant
Creative/Crew & Office Management
The Digital Media Production Assistant (DMPA) program offers participants hands-on experience with essential skills required in today's digital content creation industry. This program trains aspiring production assistants to effectively support all phases of digital media projects—from pre-production planning and on-set coordination to post-production workflow.
While the Digital Production Management Assistant (DPMA) program prepares individuals for administrative and coordination roles within media and entertainment corporate environments. Focusing on organizational skills, scheduling, budgeting basics, and communication proficiency, participants will learn to support producers, production managers, and executives.
Hollywood Teaching Assistant Program
and Acting (BGT) & Content Creator
The worlds of education and performance
The Hollywood Teaching Assistant program (HTAp) provides training for individuals interested in education and mentorship roles within the performing arts sector. Participants will learn effective instructional strategies, group management techniques, and ways to assist lead instructors in expanded learning (after-school) environments, including drama, dance, music, visual arts, sports & fitness, environmental science and digital media. The program hones skills in lesson planning, student engagement, and fostering inclusive, creative environments.
The Acting (BGT), commercial & voiceover training, and the Content Creator programs prepares aspiring actors and entertainment enthusiasts for professional opportunities as extras in film, television, commercials, and digital media productions. Participants learn about on-set etiquette, casting processes, wardrobe basics, camera use, blocking and shot set-up, and industry expectations for talent (on screen or off).