The television series "Ozark" is set in the Lake of the Ozarks region in Missouri, which is in the central United States. The show follows the story of a financial planner turned money launderer and his family, delving into crimes and local dynamics around the Ozarks. However, despite its setting, much of "Ozark" was not actually filmed in the Ozark region. Here are a few insights into the filming locations and how accurately they represent the actual Ozarks: 1. Filming Locations: - **Georgia:** Much of "Ozark" was filmed in Georgia, primarily because of the state's generous tax incentives for filmmakers. Key locations include Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier, which stand in for the Lake of the Ozarks. The picturesque lakes and surrounding geography of Georgia provide a similar visual backdrop to the actual Missouri Ozarks, which helped in creating an authentic feel on screen. - **Atlanta Area:** The suburbs around Atlanta, Georgia, were used extensively for various scenes, including ones set in Chicago and the Ozarks. - **Eagle Rock Studios:** Indoor sets, such as the Blue Cat Lodge and the Byrde family home, were constructed in this studio located in Norcross, Georgia. - **Missouri:** There were some initial shooting done in the Lake of the Ozarks region, including shots of the real Osage Beach, to establish the show's setting in the first episode and for occasional subsequent scenes across the series. Nonetheless, the presence of Missouri itself in the series is fairly limited compared to scenes shot in Georgia. 2. Representation of the Actual Ozarks: - **Scenery:** While the geography and scenery of the lakes in Georgia can be somewhat similar to Missouri's Ozark region, there are distinctive differences that may be apparent to those familiar with the area. The actual Lake of the Ozarks is larger and has a different shoreline topology than the lakes used in Georgia. - **Culture and People:** Many aspects of the show that pertain to local culture and criminal elements are dramatized for entertainment purposes. However, the show does incorporate some elements that reflect regional issues, such as the economic disparities and the challenges facing local businesses. - **Authentic Details:** The creators of "Ozark" have made efforts to weave in authentic details, from the Midwestern accent to the types of businesses and homes seen in the Ozarks. "Ozark" weaves fictional narratives with some authentic representations of the region, though it takes creative liberties common to television dramas. Viewers who seek a realistic portrayal of the area might notice differences in the show's filming locations compared to the actual Ozarks; however, the series does manage to capture a general sense of the remote, wooded, and watery landscapes that characterizes the Ozarks region. It's worth noting that films and television shows often prioritize the logistical and financial aspects of production, which can affect decisions about filming locations and how accurately those locations represent the actual settings they depict.