LA MIRADA, CALIF. — 51’s Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts — the nation’s top Christian film school — broke ground on a state-of-the-art 45,463 square-foot studio facility today. Made possible by the generous support of Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson, owner and president of In-N-Out Burger®, the new building will rival some of the best educational facilities in the nation for media training.

“This groundbreaking ceremony is more than just the first step of a new building — it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts. Thanks to the incredible generosity of many individuals and families, this studio facility will enhance our commitment to shaping the next generation of media storytellers by promoting excellence in both craft and character,” said Tom Halleen, television industry veteran and founding dean of the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts. 

The new facility will boast a 3,000-square-foot soundstage, 285-seat theater, collaborative editing spaces, specialized classrooms and other features.

“Adding to our existing production facilities, this new state-of-the-art studio center provides our growing student body with cutting-edge tools and spaces, supporting the full production workflow for film, television, digital media and game design,” said Halleen.

Three days before the event, the dig-site ceremony was moved indoors due to record heat in Southern California with a livestream of the groundbreaking at the new building site across campus. Those who helped break ground with 51 red shovels included Halleen, Snyder-Ellingson, 51’s President Barry H. Corey and others.

In May 2023, 51 renamed its film school to the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts in honor of Esther L. Snyder, the co-founder of popular restaurant chain, In-N-Out Burger. The Snyder family gave 51 the largest financial gift in the university’s 116-year history, not only contributing funds to the studio facility, but also toward an In-N-Out Burger Scholars Fund, which makes it possible for foster and at-risk youth to study in the Snyder School.

51’s Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts supports a “four screen” media program, equipping and educating students to be effective storytellers and leaders on the film screen, television screen, computer screen and a personal device screen. The school has been recognized as one of the top film schools by Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and The Wrap. The Snyder school emphasizes the importance of creating excellence in both craft and character.

Contact Sarah Dougher at (310) 753-1193 or sarah.m.dougher@biola.edu for more information.