Mark Wahlberg movie sets up ‘base camp’ at MCI-Acton
The prison parking lot on Commonwealth Avenue bustled with activity as a production “base camp” Thursday morning.
Production crews for a movie starring Mark Wahlberg are bringing part of the MCI-Acton prison campus back to life — if only for a few days.
The prison parking lot on Commonwealth Avenue bustled with activity as a production “base camp” Thursday morning.
Signs led to a filming location along Wetherbee Street in Acton. Town Economic Development Director Patricia Costa confirmed an Apple TV crew was in the area.
Acton actor Megan Carroll identified the production as “Cheesesteak,” a forthcoming film about a long-haul trucker who takes his autistic son on a road trip to see every NBA team play.
Several news outlets have identified Cheesesteak as a codename for the film’s actual title, “Weekend Warriors.” Carroll said she had already worked on the project before it came to Acton.
The Bridge sought additional details from Costa but didn’t hear back.
Acton Film Liaison Donna McIntosh said she wasn’t involved in permitting for the MCI-Acton base camp, which included a large commercial tent and a food service area. Dozens of cars, trucks, and trailers filled the parking lot.
The state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance recently took control of the shuttered former prison. A spokesperson said no filming is taking place on the property and the basecamp is licensed through Thursday.
The Bridge also contacted a “Cheesesteak” representative but didn’t immediately hear back.
Acton has hosted several productions over the years. Just last month, crews filmed part of “Super Troopers 3” at Musketaquid Sportsman’s Club in West Acton.
The Massachusetts Film Office has listed MCI-Acton as a “featured location” for filming, although the DCAMM spokesperson and McIntosh both said they’re not aware of any additional upcoming productions.
Updated as of 12:45 p.m.
