As its name might suggest, the Netflix series Ozark is set in the Ozarks. While the pilot episode of the show takes place in Chicago, married couple Marty and Wendy Byrde (played by Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, respectively) arrive in the Ozarks with their two kids in episode two.
Also called the Ozark Plateau or the Ozark Mountains, the Ozarks cover part of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas, and the Netflix series primarily takes place in Osage Beach, Missouri on the Lake of the Ozarks.
The show features plenty of stunning shots of the Ozarks, including the aforementioned lake and Bagnell Dam. And of course, what would the show be without that iconic shot of the “Welcome To Lake Of the Ozarks” sign? But it turns out there’s a story to how the show chose its filming locations—here’s what we know about where Ozark is filmed.
Where is Ozark filmed?
While some exterior shots of the actual Ozarks are used on the show, Ozark is mostly filmed in the Atlanta, Georgia area. The waterfront resort seen on the show is inspired by the Alhonna Resort and Marina on the Lake of the Ozarks, and Ozark‘s creator and writer Bill Dubuque actually worked at a dock hand at Alhonna in the ’80s.
The show’s crew reconstructed a similar set in Georgia after studying the Alhonna Resort, and most of Ozark‘s shooting locations take place near Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier. The Byrdes’ lakeside family home is actually on a peninsula that juts into Lake Lanier, and other locations seen on the show include a barbecue restaurant in Flowery Branch, Georgia and a vintage diner in Atlanta.
Ozark has also shot scenes in Lawrenceville, Duluth, Canton, and Norcross, but when it comes to interior shots, those are mostly filmed in Eagle Rock Studios Atlanta. Scenes that take place inside the Lickety Splitz strip club, Russ’s trailer, and Buddy’s basement home are all constructed on a soundstage.
But if you’re wondering why Ozark chooses to film in Georgia of all places, there’s actually a pretty good reason to shoot there. Bateman also produces and directs the show, and CN Traveller reported that he and the show’s crew were drawn to the state’s “really great color and grit [and] aesthetic that’s perfect for the rural flavor that we want.” Financially, Georgia was also a great choice for production costs, as the state is famous for giving many shows and movies that film there a generous tax break.
I knew the show was filmed in the Atlanta area because that’s what the credits say. Guess most people don’t read the credits. I lived near Atlanta- Austell for 4 years in the 80’s so I look for places i might recognise but
it’s like movies in Hollywood- they make places on a soundstage
Did they Ozark neighbourhood ask too much in the contract? Greedy leads to lossy?
WHEN IS IT BACK ON?
I FEEL LIKE OUR FRIENDS HAVE DIED.>?
Many of you don’t realize that the Lake of the Ozarks is very much like “Ozarks”. The crime and corruption is real. Y’all have No Idea !!!!!!