The Production Center houses Biola's Cinema and Media Arts Department and the Journalism Department. It is situated in the McNally Campus.

About the Production Center and the Remodel

The Production Center underwent a $2.2 million worth of renovation and construction between 2007-2008. Additional equipment will bring the total cost to about $3 million.

The center — a state-of-the-art home away from home for students in the University’s film and journalism programs — is currently in the process of being outfitted with cutting-edge equipment that will greatly enhance students’ preparation for 21st century careers in the media industry.

When completed, the center will be a place for filming and editing newscasts, teleconferencing with journalists across the nation, designing magazines and public-relations materials, and creating top-notch student films.

Douglas Tarpley, dean of fine arts and communication, said the facility will play a vital role in helping Biola provide the next generation of Christian filmmakers and journalists with both a strong academic foundation and real-world professional training.

“This production center helps us fulfill the second part of that equation,” Tarpley said. “It is absolutely critical to provide students with an excellent experience with cutting-edge equipment in an environment that reflects the professional world.”

Over the summer, work crews completed an extensive remodeling of the existing facility, making room for a new television news studio, a convergent newsroom, a film equipment-storage room and a lobby.

With that skeleton in place, the focus shifted to filling the interior with equipment.

This fall, the University installed a professional news desk, cameras, teleprompters and lights — thanks to generous donations totaling more than $300,000.

Another $400,000 to $500,000 is still needed to purchase computers, computer monitors, software and additional equipment, Tarpley said. All the upgrades will total about $3 million.

Biola previously received more than $1 million for the center from the estate of Joanne and Pepito Perez. Earlier this year, an anonymous donor contributed an additional $1 million toward the project.

Already, Biola is the flagship school for film programs in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, Tarpley said. He said he believes the production center will play a role in helping Biola become a leader in visual communication, broadcast and print journalism programs.Biola Magazine, Winter '09. 15