Chula Vista Entertainment Complex: $85M Studio Set to Rival Hollywood
The City of Chula Vista is embarking on a major expansion of its creative economy with the development of the Chula Vista Entertainment Complex (CVEC), an $85 million project aimed at transforming the region’s film industry. The 89,000-square-foot facility, integrated with the Millenia Library complex, represents one of the largest investments in Southern California’s creative infrastructure outside of Los Angeles.
Chula Vista Entertainment Complex; Project Overview
The Chula Vista Entertainment Complex combines state-of-the-art production facilities with innovative workspace design to create a comprehensive entertainment hub. The complex features virtual production studios, post-production facilities, and collaborative workspaces designed to serve both established production companies and emerging creators.
The facility’s integration with the Millenia Library positions it as a cultural cornerstone within the community, offering unprecedented access to creative resources. This strategic location enables the complex to serve as both a professional production facility and a community resource for creative development.
Economic Impact To Chula Vista
The CVEC is projected to generate significant economic benefits for the San Diego region. Economic analysis suggests the complex could create an estimated $544 million in economic activity over the next decade through direct employment, production spending, and auxiliary services. Just like the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center will have an economic impact to the west side, the Chula Vista Entertainment Complex will also offer a huge impact to the east side. Chula Vista is seeing so many future thinking projects happening right here in our community.
The facility aims to establish Chula Vista as a competitive alternative to Los Angeles for film and television production, potentially creating hundreds of jobs in various sectors including:
- Production and technical services
- Creative and artistic roles
- Facility operations and management
- Support services and hospitality
CVEC Facilities and Features
The complex houses a comprehensive suite of production and post-production facilities designed to meet industry standards. Key features include:
- Professional-grade virtual production studios
- Advanced post-production suites with audio mixing capabilities
- Recording studios for music and podcast production
- Photography studios and equipment
- Flexible co-working spaces for creative professionals
- Technical support facilities and equipment storage
These facilities are designed to accommodate projects ranging from major studio productions to independent films and digital content creation. How cool would it be to see a full-feature movie getting produced right here in our backyard, WOW!!
Leadership and Vision
Aaron David Roberts, a San Diego native and established filmmaker, leads the Chula Vista Entertainment Complex initiative. Roberts brings substantial industry experience to the project, having worked on numerous television series and film productions. His selection of Chula Vista for this facility stems from the city’s demonstrated commitment to innovative development and strategic partnerships.
Roberts envisions transforming San Diego from a filming location into a complete production hub, capable of supporting projects from pre-production through post-production. This approach aims to build a sustainable entertainment industry ecosystem within the region.
Community Engagement
The CVEC’s community engagement strategy focuses on developing local talent and creating sustainable career pathways in the entertainment industry. The facility will offer:
- Educational workshops and training programs
- Partnerships with local educational institutions
- Mentorship opportunities with industry professionals
- Resources for content creators to monetize their work
- Networking events and industry showcases
These initiatives aim to ensure the facility serves both established production companies and emerging local talent, fostering a diverse and sustainable creative community.
Are You Ready For Chula Vista Entertainment Complex?
The Creative Vision Entertainment Center represents a significant step forward in establishing San Diego County as a major player in the entertainment industry. Through its combination of professional facilities, economic opportunity, and community engagement, the CVEC is positioned to catalyze growth in the regional creative economy while providing valuable resources for local talent development.
The success of this initiative could serve as a model for similar developments in other markets, demonstrating how strategic investment in creative infrastructure can drive economic growth and cultural development. As the facility begins operations, its impact on both the local community and the broader entertainment industry will be closely watched by industry observers and civic leaders alike.