Have you ever found yourself hooked on a TV series, wondering what secrets lie just beyond the edge of the screen? For many, that series is Ozark, the Netflix phenomenon that’s captivated audiences worldwide.
Some viewers were skeptical about Ozark’s slow-burning pace when it first premiered. But that deliberate tempo ultimately proved one of the show’s greatest strengths. Created by Mark Williams and Bill Dubuque, Ozark is a powerful fusion of drama, suspense, and crime thriller that’s earned its fair share of Emmy awards.
What draws you in is the story of the Byrde family, who get pulled deeper and deeper into the world of crime despite their best efforts to escape. It’s like they are stuck in this vicious cycle, and just when they think they’ve found a way out, they get sucked back in. The show’s title, Ozark, makes you assume it’s set in Missouri, but surprisingly, that’s not where it’s filmed.
Are you curious about the real-life Ozark location behind the Byrde family’s thrilling adventures? Let’s find out where was Ozark filmed?.
Where Is Ozark Filmed?
Where is the Ozarks located? You might be surprised that the Ozark TV series wasn’t filmed in Ozark, Missouri. Instead, the show’s creators shot most of the scenes in and around Atlanta, Georgia. Precisely, you’ll spot familiar locations around Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona, as well as in cities like Canton, Duluth, and Lawrenceville.
So, why Georgia? It all comes down to incentives. In 2008, the Governor of Georgia signed legislation to make the state more attractive to filmmakers. The payoff was huge – productions that spent over $500,000 in the state got a 20% tax credit, plus an extra 10% if they featured the Georgia Peach logo. It’s no wonder the show’s creators set up shop in Atlanta!
One of the funniest things about Ozark is how the show’s creators used Atlanta’s real-life restaurants and bars to create the show’s fictional settings. For example, the upscale restaurant Bacchanalia was rebranded as “Oak & Sage,” while Chops Lobster Bar became a swanky cigar club. And suppose you’re familiar with Atlanta’s Northside Tavern. In that case, you might spot it masquerading as a Kansas City bar in the series!
What Is Ozark About?
Imagine being drawn into a world of crime and deception, where the lines between right and wrong are constantly blurred. That happens in the hit Netflix series Ozark, which follows the complex and often dark journey of the Byrde family.
Where are the Ozarks? At the center of the show is Marty Byrde, played by Jason Bateman. He’s a financial advisor who’s made a deal with a Mexican cartel to launder millions of dollars. But Marty’s not your average criminal—he’s a family man desperate to protect his wife, Wendy, and their two kids. As the series unfolds, we see Marty transform from a seemingly ordinary guy to a more sinister character.
But what’s fascinating is the dynamic between Marty and his wife, Wendy, played by Laura Linney. At first, Wendy appears to be the quintessential mom. Still, as the show progresses, we realize she’s the strategic mastermind behind their operation. It’s a refreshing twist on the typical male-dominated crime drama.
While the first two seasons of Ozark received some criticism for their gloomy color palette and slow pacing, the show hits its stride in later seasons. With its intricate plot twists, morally ambiguous characters, and stunning performances from the cast, Ozark has become one of the most acclaimed shows on Netflix since its debut in 2017.
The Cast Of Ozark
The cast of Ozark includes:
- Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde
- Laura Linney as Wendy Byrde
- Sofia Hublitz as Charlotte Byrde
- Skylar Gaertner as Jonah Byrde
- Julia Garner as Ruth Langmore
- Janet McTeer as Helen Pierce
Other actors include Esai Morales, Jordana Spiro, Peter Mullan, and Lisa Emery.
Who Directed Ozark?
Behind the scenes of Ozark, you’ll find a talented team of directors who bring the show to life. Jason Bateman, who also stars as Marty Byrde, directed several episodes, teaming up with Andrew Bernstein in the first two seasons.
Other notable directors on board include Alik Sakharov, Ellen Kuras, and Anthony Hemingway, each adding their unique touch to the series.
Awards
Ozark’s impressive awards shelf is a testament to its exceptional storytelling and craftsmanship. The show has taken home two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, with Andrew Bernstein winning for “Tonight We Improvise” in 2018 and Jason Bateman following suit for “The Precious Blood of Jesus” in 2019.
Ozark also snagged a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series and Drama in 2020, earning two additional Golden Globe nominations.
Fun Facts About Ozark
Fun Facts About Ozark
- FBI Guidance: The Ozark production team got a crash course in money laundering from the FBI. Who knew the FBI would be involved in the show?
- Rodent Phobia: Julia Garner, who played Ruth Langmore, had a significant aversion to rodents. She needed a hand double for a scene where she had to pick up a mouse!
- Real-Life Inspiration: Believe it or not, a real-life robber hid in the Ozarks. Talk about life imitating art!
- Money Laundering 101: Experts say the money laundering schemes on the show are both plausible and creative. The writers did their homework!
- Initial Skeptics: Did you know that Jason Bateman and Laura Linney weren’t initially sold on doing a series? The script eventually won them over!
- Chicago to Ozark: How far is Chicago from the Ozarks? The driving distance from Chicago to Ozark is approximately 525 miles. With normal traffic conditions, you can expect the journey to take around 8 hours and 44 minutes.
Conclusion
Where are the Ozarks located? The Netflix series Ozark brings its stunning scenery and gripping storylines to life in and around Atlanta, Georgia, despite being set in the Missouri Ozarks. Georgia’s diverse landscapes and attractions played a starring role in the show’s success, from the picturesque Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona areas to the city’s trendy restaurants and bars.
Now that you know the secrets behind Ozark filming location, will you binge-watch the series again with a newfound appreciation for the real-life locations that brought it to life? Head to Noustra for more behind-the-scenes scoops and entertainment insights!
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