Marion Knott Donates $5 Million to Chapman

Marion Knott, whose family founded Knott’s Berry Farm, has given $5 million to Chapman University for a building.

The Marion Knott Studios will house Chapman’s School of Film and Television, which will include a soundstage, a 500-seat digital cinema and postproduction facilities.

The gift means the school has collected half of its $31-million goal for the project. Construction will begin once funds have been secured and the project is approved by the city of Orange.

Knott has taken an interest in the university’s film and television program since its inception more than 20 years ago, said Bob Bassett, the school’s dean.