San Diego's South Bay city of Chula Vista is on the verge of becoming a new hub for film and television production with the announcement of the Chula Vista Entertainment Complex (CVEC). This ambitious project, approved by the Chula Vista City Council, aims to construct an 89,000-square-foot facility that will serve as a comprehensive production studio space.
The state of the art entertainment complex will be built on the Think Millenia campus and the neighboring 8.64 acre Invent lot. There will be three high end virtual production soundstages, Hollywood-grade post-production facilities, co-work space to cultivate local creative economy and education space to train the next generation.Ìý
The studio, which is expected to cost $85 million, will introduce cutting-edge virtual production technology to San Diego County, making it the only facility of its kind in the region. The development is projected to generate an economic impact of approximately $544 million over the next ten years, significantly enhancing the local economy and job market.
The initiative is spearheaded by local filmmaker Aaron David Roberts, known for his work on various TV series and films. Roberts has long envisioned bringing Hollywood-level production capabilities back to San Diego, where he began his career in filmmaking. Chula Vista was chosen for this project due to its proactive approach in attracting new industries and its existing infrastructure readiness.
The construction will unfold in two phases. The first phase involves repurposing the top two floors of the new Millenia Library into co-working spaces, podcast studios, edit bays, and various post-production facilities. The second phase will focus on building the new studio complex, featuring advanced technology for virtual production, which is expected to draw TV and movie productions to the area.
In addition to the primary studio plans, the CVEC project includes the possible development of an amenities food hall and coffee shop within a 6,100 square-foot building, aimed at serving both the complex's tenants and the broader community. This facility will be managed by a hospitality group linked to CVEC, enhancing local dining options with a full kitchen coffee shop.
The studio, which is expected to cost $85 million, will introduce cutting-edge virtual production technology to San Diego County, making it the only facility of its kind in the region. The development is projected to generate an economic impact of approximately $544 million over the next ten years, significantly enhancing the local economy and job market.
The initiative is spearheaded by local filmmaker Aaron David Roberts, known for his work on various TV series and films. Roberts has long envisioned bringing Hollywood-level production capabilities back to San Diego, where he began his career in filmmaking. Chula Vista was chosen for this project due to its proactive approach in attracting new industries and its existing infrastructure readiness.
The construction will unfold in two phases. The first phase involves repurposing the top two floors of the new Millenia Library into co-working spaces, podcast studios, edit bays, and various post-production facilities. The second phase will focus on building the new studio complex, featuring advanced technology for virtual production, which is expected to draw TV and movie productions to the area.
In addition to the primary studio plans, the CVEC project includes the possible development of an amenities food hall and coffee shop within a 6,100 square-foot building, aimed at serving both the complex's tenants and the broader community. This facility will be managed by a hospitality group linked to CVEC, enhancing local dining options with a full kitchen coffee shop.
Another key feature of the first phase is the establishment of a Small Business Incubator, designed to support local startups and entrepreneurs. This initiative seeks to create a collaborative environment where small businesses can thrive alongside the creative community at CVEC, fostering innovation and economic growth.
Scheduled to break ground by the end of 2025, the campus will feature three studios, a warehouse, advanced soundproofing, and specialized video production technology. Additional amenities include loading docks with dedicated roll-up doors for each studio, high-speed fiber optic internet, a server room, and sustainable technologies like solar power and water recycling. Parking solutions will also be addressed with plans for either a lot or garage to accommodate between 150 to 600 vehicles.
Other plans include potentially featuring film, arts, and entertainment-themed retail, commercial spaces, or a hotel. These spaces could adapt based on demand, possibly serving additional parking needs or hosting more virtual production stages. Looking further ahead, organizers envision an expansion into neighboring lots for a Hollywood-style backlot, which would replicate diverse urban and natural environments for filming. This backlot would include streetscapes, building facades, and various outdoor sets, equipped with the necessary infrastructure for film production.
Scheduled to break ground by the end of 2025, the campus will feature three studios, a warehouse, advanced soundproofing, and specialized video production technology. Additional amenities include loading docks with dedicated roll-up doors for each studio, high-speed fiber optic internet, a server room, and sustainable technologies like solar power and water recycling. Parking solutions will also be addressed with plans for either a lot or garage to accommodate between 150 to 600 vehicles.
Other plans include potentially featuring film, arts, and entertainment-themed retail, commercial spaces, or a hotel. These spaces could adapt based on demand, possibly serving additional parking needs or hosting more virtual production stages. Looking further ahead, organizers envision an expansion into neighboring lots for a Hollywood-style backlot, which would replicate diverse urban and natural environments for filming. This backlot would include streetscapes, building facades, and various outdoor sets, equipped with the necessary infrastructure for film production.
Funding for the project will come from venture capital, with additional revenue expected from studio rentals once operations begin. This new studio aims not only to be a space for production but also a nurturing ground for local talent, providing opportunities for San Diego's creative community to thrive without the need to relocate to larger film hubs like Los Angeles.
The studio's development is anticipated to create numerous jobs, directly supporting local employment while fostering an environment where creatives can learn, grow, and contribute to the film industry locally. The initiative also aligns with broader goals of making San Diego a recognized name in the entertainment industry, potentially turning Chula Vista into a new focal point for media production on the West Coast.
The studio's development is anticipated to create numerous jobs, directly supporting local employment while fostering an environment where creatives can learn, grow, and contribute to the film industry locally. The initiative also aligns with broader goals of making San Diego a recognized name in the entertainment industry, potentially turning Chula Vista into a new focal point for media production on the West Coast.
For more information about the Chula Vista Entertainment Complex, visit .
Originally published on January 3, 2025.Ìý
