City Launches Creative Corps Entertainment Production Assistant Program to Prepare Local Residents for Careers in the Entertainment Industry

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) is launching the Long Beach Creative Corps Entertainment Production Assistant Program (Program), a new workforce development initiative designed to prepare local residents interested in careers in film, television, live events, broadcast production, digital media and the broader entertainment industry. Applications are available online until 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.

"Long Beach is rapidly becoming a premier destination for world-class entertainment, and the Creative Corps Program will connect our local residents with emerging opportunities in an industry shaping our city's future," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "We are ensuring that the continued growth of our booming entertainment sector directly benefit the people of Long Beach."

The no-cost pilot program, administered by the Department's Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) Youth Career Services Center in partnership with Codega Media, will train a cohort of 10 young adults ages 18 to 24 through industry-led production assistant training, career coaching and paid work-based learning opportunities that connect participants directly to employers throughout Southern California's growing entertainment ecosystem. Training is expected to take place on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, and Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at the LBWIN Youth Career Services Center (508 W. Willow St.).

"By combining industry-recognized training with paid, real-world experience and comprehensive support services, we are preparing the next generation of talent for meaningful careers in the entertainment industry," said EDO Director Bo Martinez. "This initiative is about creating opportunity, strengthening our workforce and building the professional networks and career pathways that will help fuel Long Beach's creative economy for years to come."

A virtual information session for prospective participants interested in learning more about the Program will be offered on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, from 4 to 5 p.m.

Participants will gain essential production assistant training and be introduced to various career paths that may include roles such as stagehand, live event production technician, broadcast production assistant, camera production assistant, audio and lighting assistant, event operations support, digital media production assistant, production office assistant, streaming and live broadcast support. Cohort members will also be introduced to a variety of entry-level positions with production companies, event operators, convention facilities and entertainment venues. Following classroom instruction, participants may connect to paid Work Experience and employment opportunities with entertainment employers, venues, production companies, and public-serving entertainment facilities.

Funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult and Youth programs, the Program prioritizes applicants who face barriers to education or employment, including people who have experienced housing instability, foster care, justice involvement, disabilities, low-income circumstances or other related challenges.

The Program supports Long Beach's investment in the creative economy and builds upon Mayor Rex Richardson's vision to make Long Beach a premier destination for arts, entertainment, tourism and innovation. As the City expands its entertainment infrastructure, including the new F&M Bank Amphitheater of Long Beach, funded by the City's Tidelands Funds Group, and ongoing investment in the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, there is a growing demand for a skilled local workforce to support various major productions such as concerts, festivals, television and film, live broadcasts, conventions, sporting events and more.

"There's no shortage of talent in Long Beach-there's a shortage of access. Codega Media designed the Creative Corps Production Assistant Program in partnership with the City to open that door-training residents for real careers in film and television and getting them working, not someday, but right now," said President of Codega Media Inc. Melanie Mack. "The entire LBWIN team has been welcoming from day one, and we're thrilled about this partnership and the change we're going to build together."

This initiative also aligns with the City's Strategic Vision 2030, which aims to enhance access to jobs, strengthen industry-aligned workforce development and ensure residents, especially those with employment barriers, benefit from Long Beach's economic growth.

For more information about the Program and other workforce opportunities, those interested may visit longbeach.gov/workforce.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity, visit longbeach.gov/edo, follow on Facebook, X and Instagram. Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City's Business Brief.

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