ACX1 Studios LLC, the ambitious film production and entertainment venue located on Atlantic City’s boardwalk pier, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 13, 2026, according to court filings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.
The voluntary petition was signed by Gia Aaron, chief executive officer of ACX1 Studios LLC, and was officially submitted to the court as a Subchapter V Chapter 11 case. The filing lists estimated assets and liabilities each in the $1 million to $10 million range, and indicates there are between 1 and 49 creditors.
Under Chapter 11, ACX1 Studios will operate as a “debtor in possession,” allowing it to continue business operations while attempting to restructure its debts with court supervision. The move is typically intended to give struggling companies a chance to reorganize rather than liquidate immediately.
“ACX1 Studios LLC has formally initiated bankruptcy proceedings,” an industry report said, noting that the filing will allow the company to work toward a financial reorganization.
Located on the iconic boardwalk pier at 1 Atlantic Ocean — the former Playground Pier — ACX1 Studios opened in 2023 as a large, multi‑use production facility aimed at attracting film, television and media projects to South Jersey. The venue boasted more than 150 studio sets, equipment rentals, post‑production services, event space, and amenities intended to stimulate the local entertainment economy.
Despite early hopes that the site could help make Atlantic City a hub for TV and film work, user‑generated social media posts suggest portions of the facility appeared quiet and underused in early 2026, with some doors reportedly locked and advertising signage removed from the exterior.
The bankruptcy case is now active, and additional documents — including a proposed reorganization plan — are expected to be submitted in the coming weeks as ACX1 Studios navigates its financial restructuring.
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