Jason Bateman and David Harbour are set to return to Atlanta in 2025 to film HBO’s upcoming limited series DTF St. Louis. Production will run from February through May and will be based at Electric Owl Studios, according to a notice sent to IATSE Local 479 crew members.
Bateman, known for his role in Netflix’s Ozark, which was filmed in Georgia from 2017 to 2021, and Harbour, currently wrapping up Netflix’s Stranger Things in Atlanta, will both serve as executive producers for the new series.
HBO describes DTF St. Louis as a dark comedy centered around a love triangle involving three middle-aged individuals. Their entangled lives spiral into chaos, culminating in murder. The seven-episode series will be helmed by Steven Conrad, the creator behind Amazon Prime’s Patriot.
Electric Owl Studios, the series’ home base, has hosted notable productions this year, including the Naked Gun reboot starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, and J.J. Abrams’ thriller Flowervale Street, featuring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor.
Harbour, in addition to his HBO project, stars in Marvel’s Thunderbolts, which filmed in metro Atlanta earlier this year. The movie is set for reshoots at Atlanta Metro Studios in Union City next month and is slated for a May 2025 release.
Meanwhile, Bateman will soon be seen in Netflix’s thriller Carry-On, co-starring Taron Egerton and Atlanta native Danielle Deadwyler, premiering December 13. He’s also set to appear alongside Jude Law in Netflix’s upcoming drama series Black Rabbit, expected to debut next year.
Netflix’s critically acclaimed series Ozark, starring Jason Bateman as the cunning and resourceful Marty Byrde, was a monumental success, blending gripping drama with stunning cinematography. While the show is set in the Lake of the Ozarks region in Missouri, the majority of its production took place in and around Atlanta, Georgia. This choice was driven by Georgia’s booming film industry, generous tax incentives, and diverse locations, which allowed the production team to recreate the rustic beauty of the Ozarks.
Why Atlanta?
Georgia has become a major hub for film and television production, thanks in part to the state’s lucrative tax credit program for filmmakers. By setting up base in Atlanta, the Ozark production team gained access to state-of-the-art facilities and a wealth of filming locations that could double for the Ozarks. These included lush wooded areas, serene lakes, and the urban settings required for the show’s frequent Chicago flashbacks. Atlanta’s well-connected film infrastructure and pool of talented local crew members further solidified the decision to film there.
Key Filming Locations
Several key scenes were shot at Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier, two popular recreational areas near Atlanta. These lakes stood in for the Lake of the Ozarks, offering a similar aesthetic with their expansive waters, forested shorelines, and cozy lakeside homes. The Byrde family’s iconic lakefront house was located on Lake Lanier, becoming a central visual element throughout the series.
The infamous Blue Cat Lodge, another pivotal location, was built specifically for the series at Lake Allatoona. Though it was a set, it blended seamlessly into its surroundings, capturing the vibe of a real Midwestern lakeside business. After the series premiered, fans flocked to these locations, cementing their place in TV history.
For scenes requiring a more urban backdrop, Atlanta’s vibrant cityscape filled in as Chicago. Production often used Atlanta’s sleek downtown areas to depict the bustling streets of the Windy City. The production also filmed at local businesses, warehouses, and government buildings, showcasing Atlanta’s versatility as a filming destination.
Jason Bateman’s Dual Role
Jason Bateman not only starred as Marty Byrde but also served as a director and executive producer for the series. His leadership helped shape the show’s visual and narrative style. Bateman’s direction often emphasized the dark, moody atmosphere of the Byrde family’s dangerous new life.
Filming in Atlanta provided Bateman and the production team with creative flexibility. They utilized the region’s diverse locales to create an immersive and authentic world. The Georgia-based crew’s expertise also contributed to maintaining the high production value expected of a Netflix original series.
Community and Economic Impact
The success of Ozark brought significant economic benefits to the Atlanta area. Local businesses, from catering services to lodging facilities, reaped the rewards of hosting a major production. The show also boosted tourism, with fans eager to visit filming locations and experience the “Ozark” atmosphere for themselves.
A Legacy in Georgia
Ozark wrapped its final season in 2022, but its impact on Atlanta’s film scene endures. The series showcased how Georgia’s landscapes could convincingly stand in for other parts of the country, further solidifying the state’s reputation as a go-to filming destination. For Jason Bateman, filming in Atlanta not only supported the show’s production but also deepened his appreciation for the region’s rich resources and talented professionals.
Georgia’s Film Industry: A Booming Economic Powerhouse
Over the past two decades, Georgia has emerged as a dominant force in the global film industry, earning the nickname “Hollywood of the South.” The driving force behind this transformation is the state’s aggressive film tax credit program, which has attracted major film and television productions to its diverse landscapes and state-of-the-art facilities. From blockbuster franchises like The Avengers and The Hunger Games to critically acclaimed television shows like Ozark and Stranger Things, Georgia’s film industry has grown into a multibillion-dollar economic engine.
The Film Tax Credit: A Game Changer
Introduced in 2008, Georgia’s film tax credit offers productions a 20% tax break on qualified expenses if they spend at least $500,000 in the state. An additional 10% can be earned by including the Georgia peach logo in the project’s credits, making the total incentive as high as 30%. This program significantly reduces the overall cost of production, making Georgia an attractive alternative to more expensive markets like California and New York.
The tax credits have spurred an influx of productions, ranging from indie films to big-budget Hollywood movies. In 2023 alone, the Georgia Department of Economic Development reported that the film and television industry contributed $4.1 billion in direct spending to the state’s economy, with an estimated $11 billion in overall economic impact.
Job Creation and Local Business Growth
The film boom has led to a surge in job opportunities for Georgians. From camera operators and makeup artists to construction crews and caterers, thousands of local residents have found employment in the industry. According to state officials, the film industry supports over 92,000 jobs and generates more than $4.6 billion in wages annually.
Small businesses have also benefited immensely. Local restaurants, hotels, transportation services, and rental companies often see a spike in revenue when productions come to town. For example, during the filming of a major Marvel movie, local businesses in the metro Atlanta area reported significant increases in foot traffic and sales.
Infrastructure Expansion
The success of Georgia’s film tax credit has also spurred substantial investment in infrastructure. The state is now home to some of the largest and most advanced film production facilities in the world, including Trilith Studios (formerly Pinewood Atlanta Studios), which has hosted productions like Avengers: Endgame and WandaVision. These facilities have further enhanced Georgia’s reputation as a prime filming destination.
Tourism Boost
The popularity of productions filmed in Georgia has created a lucrative tourism sector. Fans flock to see locations from their favorite movies and TV shows, such as the Hawkins Lab from Stranger Things or the fictional Wakanda from Black Panther. Tours, museums, and themed experiences have capitalized on this interest, adding millions to the state’s tourism revenue.
Challenges and Sustainability
Despite its success, the film tax credit has faced criticism from some lawmakers who question its long-term sustainability. Critics argue that the program’s generous incentives reduce tax revenue, but supporters counter that the economic benefits far outweigh the costs, citing job creation and increased spending.
A Bright Future
Georgia’s film industry shows no signs of slowing down. The tax credit, combined with the state’s skilled workforce, diverse locations, and cutting-edge facilities, continues to attract top-tier productions. As the industry grows, Georgia’s commitment to fostering a robust film ecosystem ensures it will remain a global entertainment powerhouse for years to come.
