An underutilized pier along the Atlantic Ocean is hoping to be bustling with activity during 2023 as a new endeavor called ACX1 Studios is repurposing a famed destination into a film production studio that will include a live entertainment venue.
A six-person film and production group named ACX1 recently announced that they have signed an agreement with Caesars Entertainment for an entire 550,000 square foot indoor mall pier along Atlantic City’s boardwalk at Arkansas Avenue. The property, formerly known as Playground Pier, is connected to Caesars Hotel and Casino but has sat mostly unused in recent years.
The company is an abbreviation for “Atlantic City Experiences” and the “1” pays homage to the studio’s 1 Atlantic Ocean address. The business plans to use the building as multiple movie sets and include a live entertainment venue in the space, which they hope will attract major film companies and actors to the seaside city.
ACX1 Studios will be the successor to the famed Million Dollar Pier, which operated at the property from 1906 to 1981. The pier was completely re-built during the 1980s and has operated as the Pier at Caesars in recent years.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small heralded the development during a ceremony kicking off construction at the property. He noted that his administration wants to see businesses that were shuttered reopen to ensure Atlantic City experiences continued development and economic growth.
“Atlantic City has a rich history in the arts and entertainment industry and has been a prime filming location for many award-winning productions,” Small said in a statement. “We are excited by the prospect of ACX1 Studios giving us a fresh opportunity to keep that history alive while officially marking the rebirth of Playground Pier.”
The new studio hopes to take advantage of the New Jersey Film & Digital Media Tax Credit Program, which Governor Murphy signed into law in 2018.
Film production facilities have proliferated in the Garden State since the law was enacted, with venues like Jersey City’s Caven Point Studios opening, while major endeavors from Netflix in Fort Monmouth, Lionsgate in Newark, and the sprawling 1888 Studios in Bayonne are in the pipeline.
ACX1 Studios can be followed on Instagram at the handle @acx1studios for further updates. The facility hopes to be up and running by the summer of 2024.