San Diego County is taking a bold step to attract major film and media productions with the launch of a state-of-the-art entertainment hub in Chula Vista. The Chula Vista City Council recently approved a letter of intent to build the Chula Vista Entertainment Complex (CVEC) within the city’s new Millenia Library, marking a significant investment in Southern California’s creative economy.

The CVEC, a 75,000-square-foot project, will be built in three phases, with an ambitious goal of generating $545 million in economic development for Chula Vista over the next decade. Aaron David Roberts, the founder and CEO, emphasized the project’s mission to not only boost the local economy but also re-establish San Diego County as a powerhouse for media and innovation. “The Hollywood model is broken — and CVEC is here to change that,” Roberts said in a statement.

Phase one of the project will integrate essential post-production facilities into the city’s new 168,000-square-foot Millenia Library, which is currently under construction at 1775 Millenia Ave. This phase will include video editing bays, sound effect facilities, audio post-production studios, and coworking spaces, creating an accessible and modern environment for filmmakers, creators, and businesses of all sizes.

The second phase will expand the complex to include a cutting-edge virtual production studio campus. Spanning nearly 89,600 square feet on a five-acre lot, this phase promises to deliver advanced virtual production capabilities, catering to the increasing demand for innovative production technologies in the film and TV industries.

In its final phase, the CVEC plans to broaden its footprint with additional production studios and the development of entertainment-themed commercial spaces. The city’s statement highlighted potential projects such as retail spaces, a hotel, and parking facilities, creating a comprehensive hub for media, arts, and business.

The CVEC is set to redefine film production in the region by providing access to top-tier facilities and a collaborative creative environment. Roberts envisions a space where filmmakers and media professionals can thrive, positioning Chula Vista as a key player in the global entertainment industry.