The City of Chula Vista recently announced it would break ground on an $89 million, 168,000-square-foot Cinematic Arts Academic Center & Library project, which will be home to San Diego State University’s (SDSU) new, state-of-the art Television, Film and New Media Studios. The partnership will educate a new generation of aspiring film students from Chula Vista, Southern California, and the world – realizing the shared vision of developing a multi-institutional university and innovation district in Chula Vista.
The facility, which will be located at 1775 Millenia Avenue, is set to include the City’s first new library built since 1995, and it will fulfill a 19-year deficit of library space, as well as additional space that will be needed to accommodate population growth. The multi-use library will serve a larger vision of public, education and industry use. The building will be the first of its kind in San Diego County and is planned to include new sound stages, a digital screening theater and additional amenities to support cinematic innovation and excellence.
“We are grateful to Senator pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assemblymember David Alvarez for securing the funding to help launch the Chula Vista university and library development,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “After decades of planning, we are ready to break ground with an SDSU program that will advance our vision for a 21st century university in the South Bay.”
“I am thrilled to provide $25 million in state funding for the development of a new library for Chula Vista along with the Television, Film and New Media Studios to be utilized by San Diego State University,” added Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego). “This is the first step toward making the Chula Vista University project a reality.”
The SDSU Television, Film and New Media Studios will include a 50,000-square-foot film and television teaching facility, containing sound stages, modern editing and mixing suites, new classrooms, meeting rooms, and administrative and faculty space. All will be equipped with the latest film and television technology.
“We are delighted to be part of this collaboration and to use SDSU’s renowned film and television program as the foundation of our formal presence in this vibrant South Bay neighborhood,” stated SDSU President Adela de la Torre. “This builds on our 30-year commitment to the South Bay community and our longstanding partnership with the Sweetwater Union High School District. I am truly excited by what this will mean for our students, for our future, and for the economic impact this new film industry will drive in Chula Vista.”
SDSU’s new expanded location will advance the art of independent filmmaking and will become the premiere academic destination for aspiring filmmakers worldwide. The facility also will be available for use by Southwestern College and industry partners.
“Southwestern College’s Film, Television & Media Arts program graduates dozens of talented students each year,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Mark Sanchez. “This project gives students a clear pathway to San Diego State University’s program in the community they live in. It will be transformative and a catalyst to turn what is currently a university desert into a thriving ecosystem of higher education to address inequities and generational poverty in our community.”
With a unique focus on independent filmmaking, the SDSU Television, Film and New Media Studios is designed to prepare students in all aspects of film and television production, including writing, directing, cinematography, lighting, sound, editing, special effects, and more – to include the business aspects of independent filmmaking, such as finance, distribution and marketing.
The new expansion also will dramatically increase placement opportunities for SDSU students entering the film and television production industry by providing them with opportunities to graduate with an already accomplished film portfolio.
Leaders plan to break ground on the Cinematic Arts Academic Center & Library site in 2023 and complete by 2025.
Photo credit: Pixabay.com
