Sarah Kloepping

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Jerry Wanek returns home as often as he can. When he can't, the Manitowoc native builds it.

As production designer on The CW Television Network show "Supernatural," Wanek's job is to create the scenes for each episode. Often, those sets contain landmarks familiar to Manitowoc County residents.

"Whenever we build a set, I try to put certain Manitowoc landmarks in the sets … just because it’s fun for me," he said.

Those landmarks include Jack's Beer Garden, Rudy's Lanes, Whitelaw Sausage Co. and Wenzel's Perfect World bar.

"The list goes on and on and on," said Wanek, estimating hundreds of references. "I’m very proud of where I came from, and I think that had a lot to do with where I am today. So whenever I can, I give a little nod to the hometown."

And when the show — which follows two brothers who hunt down mysterious creatures — needed a World War II submarine built for a time-travel episode, Wanek knew just where to turn.

"I said, ‘One of the best submarines on the planet that’s refurbished from the same era is docked in my hometown,'" said the 1979 Lincoln High School graduate.

The USS Cobia submarine, a National Historic Landmark at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum since 1970, was used as inspiration for the set, along with the USS Bowfin in Hawaii.

Elements of the Cobia, such as its distinctive brass detail, can be seen in the newest episode airing at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17. The submarine set — 100 feet long and 16 feet wide — was built in about two weeks with a crew of approximately 80 people.

"I think it's pretty awesome the Cobia is used as an example for a TV show. It's great," said Karen Duvalle, submarine curator with the museum. "She didn't have a lot of modifications after World War II. Anyone looking for a World War II submarine, something authentic, the Cobia would be a great example, both the exterior and interior."

While there isn't one distinctive element that shouts "Cobia," Wanek said the whole set should seem familiar to those who've walked through the real vessel.

"When you see … the detail of that submarine, it’s kind of astounding. That’s the kind of thing we have to do on a regular basis," he said.

The TV show isn't based in any one city. One episode may be in Oregon, the next in Wisconsin, then Kansas, then Florida. But the crew never leaves Vancouver, British Columbia — known as Hollywood North because of its many production studios and diverse filming landscapes.

"My job is to make you believe that you are in all these other states," Wanek said.

Throughout 11 seasons of "Supernatural," Wanek designed more than 110 motel rooms that are intentionally "very quirky."

One had a corncob partition. Another was Green Bay Packers themed.

And there are some larger-than-life sets, too, like creating Heaven and Hell.

Twelve-hour work days during a span of more than 10 months for a 23-episode season makes for both some very long and very short time frames.

"There is never an episode without a challenge," Wanek said. "In our business, you can’t be late by an hour. There is always an extreme amount of pressure. If you have to work around the clock or Saturdays and Sundays, you do that. We generally build about $180,000 worth of scenery every eight days."

Typically, a production designer only stays with a show for a few seasons before moving on, so their résumés don't appear stagnant. Wanek has been with "Supernatural" for its entirety because of growth opportunities he's been provided.

He became a co-producer of the show, and the Feb. 24 episode will be the third one he's directed. Professional wrestler Mike "The Miz" Mizanin guest stars.

"It’s the (episode) I’m the most proud of," he said. "It was the first time I really felt comfortable as a director. I just really went for it."

Wanek said while creating sets he collaborates closely with the many directors who've worked on the show, including John Badham, who also directed "Saturday Night Fever" and "WarGames." In doing that, he learned a thing or two.

"I grew up in Manitowoc and made my way out to (Los Angeles)," Wanek said. "I started out getting people coffee, and now I’m a producer/director."

Reach Sarah Kloepping at 920-686-2105 or skloepping@htrnews.com.