What goes into creating an episode of The Deep End? What does that process look like? This season, Hunter Berjansky and Brian Gring are the driving forces behind it all. 

 

When The Deep End was created, Jack Paley and Alex Klosowski initially envisioned a show inspired by YouTube shows like Good Mythical Morning and The Try Guys. However, they quickly realized that the most important part to them was going out into the community and being able to showcase local businesses. That’s when they shaped the show into what it is today – a scripted comedy series featuring interviews from around IU and Bloomington. 

Each week, two meetings are held to plan an episode. Writers brainstorm general themes frist – such as mental health or music – and then they select interview subjects. Every episode features 2 interviews from around IU or the Bloomington community, which serves as the foundation for the rest of the episode. Once interviews are confirmed, 

 

The writers are split into groups to come up with comedy bits that could tie these interviews into a broad episode idea. Most of The Deep End episodes surround the idea of the hosts trying to rescue the show from financial ruin. Each group brainstorms bit ideas, and the best pieces of each are joined together to create an episode. 

On taping day, everything comes together. The Deep End is filmed in Studio 9 – the only IUSTV entertainment show to use this space. In the studio, the skits are rehearsed to ensure that they work how they were imagined, then they are edited if needed, and finally recorded. 

 

As one episode wraps up and heads into post-production, planning for the next is already underway. Every writer, crew member, and om-screen talent plays a crucial part in bringing The Deep End to life, making each episode a testament to their dedication and creativity.