The studio will be part of the brand new development project of the Academic Center and the Library of Cinematic Arts.
The City of Chula Vista is preparing to inaugurate an $89 million, 168,000 square foot University Center and Motion Arts Library project, which will house the University of Chula Vista’s newest state-of-the-art Television and Film Center. State of San Diego. and New Media Studios (TFNMS). The partnership will nurture a new generation of budding film students from Chula Vista, Southern California and around the world, realizing the shared vision of developing a multi-institutional university and innovation district in Chula Vista.
The state-of-the-art facility will include the city’s first new library built since 1995, and it will fill a 19-year deficit of library space, as well as the additional space that will be needed to accommodate population growth. The multipurpose library will serve a broader vision of public, educational and industrial use. The building will be the first of its kind in San Diego County and is expected to include three new sound stages, a digital screening room and additional equipment to support cinematic innovation and excellence.
“I am thrilled to announce our plans to begin construction through incredible multi-agency partnerships. We are grateful to Pro Tem Senator Toni Atkins and Assemblyman David Alvarez for securing the funding to launch the development of Chula Vista University and Library,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “After decades of planning, we are ready to innovate with an SDSU program that will advance our vision of a 21st Century University in the South Bay.”
The new Academic Center and Library for the Motion Arts will be located at 1775 Millenia Avenue within the thriving planned community of Millenia in eastern Chula Vista. The expansion will result in the creation of much-needed and long-awaited access to higher education in a region that currently lacks a leading four-year research institution.
The $89 million project budget will be funded by $30 million in state funding and $59 million from the City of Chula Vista. Senate Speaker Pro Tem Toni Atkins secured $5 million in state funding for the acquisition and allocation of the project site. Assemblyman David Alvarez secured an additional $25 million in state funding.
“Libraries pave the way for a lifelong love of reading and learning. Chula Vista has not had a new library built since 1995, so it is exciting to see the vision for this project expanded to include this joint venture between the city and our educational partners, which will also expand additional higher education opportunities in the South Bay area. said Senate Pro Tempore Chairman Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego). “Thanks to the strength of California’s economy and tax revenues, the Legislature was able to make historic investments in education-related facilities, including $58 million for libraries in the San Diego area, in this year’s budget.
“I couldn’t imagine a better investment than the $25 million in state funding secured for the development of a new library for Chula Vista as well as the film and television and new media studios that will be used by San Diego State University. I am thrilled to assist our city and region in this first step toward bringing the Chula Vista University project to fruition,” said Assemblyman David Alvarez.
This SDSU Television, Film and New Media Studios (TFNMS) will include a 50,000 square foot film and television education center, containing sound stages, modern editing and mixing suites, brand new classrooms , meeting rooms and administrative and teaching spaces. All will be equipped with the latest film and television technologies.
“We are thrilled to be part of this collaboration and to use SDSU’s acclaimed film and television program as the foundation of our official presence in this vibrant South Bay neighborhood,” said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. “It builds on our 30-year commitment to the South Bay community and our longstanding partnership with the Sweetwater Union High School District. I’m really excited about what this will mean for our students, for our future, and for the economic impact this new film industry will have in Chula Vista.”
SDSU’s new, expanded site will advance the art of independent filmmaking and become the premier academic destination for aspiring filmmakers around the world. The facility will also be available for use by Southwestern College and industry partners.
“Southwestern College’s Film, Television, and Media Arts program graduates dozens of talented students each year,” said superintendent/president Dr. Mark Sanchez. “This project gives students a clear path to the San Diego State University program in the community in which they live. He will be transformative and catalytic in transforming what is currently an academic wasteland into a thriving higher education ecosystem to address inequality and generational poverty in our community.”
SDSU faculty and staff on site will elevate students’ academic and practical experiences to an unprecedented level. With a unique focus on independent filmmaking, the SDSU Television, Film and New Media Studio is designed to prepare students for all aspects of film and television production, including writing, directing, cinematography, lighting , sound, editing, special effects, etc. to include the business aspects of independent cinema, such as finance, distribution and marketing.
SDSU has been a leader in film and television education for over 50 years and has trained and graduated alumni who are now internationally acclaimed filmmakers and award-winning Hollywood executives, such as Executive Producer and president of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy, producer of Coco Darla Anderson and director. Destin Daniel Cretton, best known for the Marvel Studios film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
San Diego County is historically considered one of California’s top three filming regions, but lacks access to adequate production facilities. The Chula Vista University Center and Motion Picture Arts Library will provide advanced facilities to revolutionize the film and digital entertainment industries. The new expansion will also significantly increase job placement opportunities for SDSU students entering the film and television production industry by providing them with the opportunity to graduate with an already accomplished film portfolio.
Leaders plan to inaugurate the Cinematic Arts Academic Center & Library site in 2023.
