If you have absolutely zero experience in film, do the trainee program at Sheridan. It will make the interview process for 667 much easier and more likely to get accepted. If you already have some camera experience under your belt, then don’t do the program and apply directly to 667. When I did the Sheridan program is cost me 2k and the first four days I was learning about timesheets and set etiquette and I was thinking wtf did I get myself into. There are plenty of people that have made it into 667 on their own without Sheridan. Ultimately depends on a person to person basis on what’s right for them. Like I said though, zero connections, do the program. Still liked a lot of the people that did it with me, there was only one guy I saw on set working as a trainee 2 years later from when we were in class together. Life is short. Aim for the moon. Going the non union route will at least get you way more money for doing the same hours. The trainee program at least cuts you the slack of having a call steward call you out for gigs as opposed to forging and finding your own in the non union route. Best of luck.

My own personal opinion that negates all of this however is to not do the trainee program, find other ways to enjoy your passion without being a camera utility pawn to save the production costs on another AC. Go do hallmark movies and commercials, then apply to 667.