Golf Channel on Sunday at 9:00pm ET will debut "Jack," a three-part series chronicling the life and career of Jack Nicklaus. Tom Selleck narrates the film, which is produced by Golf Films Coordinating Producer Israel DeHerrera, who also was lead producer for Golf Channel's three-part "Arnie" series in '14. Parts 2 and 3 of the documentary, which has presenting sponsorship from Nationwide, air Monday and Tuesday night at 9:00pm. DeHerrera caught up with
THE DAILY this week to discuss the making of the film.
Q: What were the reasons for making a film on Jack now? How much time was spent on the project?
DeHerrera: His contributions to the sport and society have been significant, ranging from his golf course design work to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to ice cream. Over the past 18 months, we have conducted nearly 100 interviews that include other sport “Greats of All-Time,” Nicklaus’ playing competitors, business partners, family members and longtime friends, along with a bunch of interviews with Nicklaus.
Q: How does this film compare to “Arnie”?
DeHerrera: It’s tough to compare the two projects. There is nothing duplicitous about either of them. What you saw was what you got and what you got from both was magical. It was just in different ways. It’s funny. I think Mr. Palmer was underrated as a golfer and I think Mr. Nicklaus is underrated as a human being. I would say I spent more time with Mr. Palmer personally, but perhaps went a bit deeper in the interview process with Mr. Nicklaus. There’s a lot more golf in Jack than Arnie simply because Jack won so much.
Q: Obviously the film will document Nicklaus’ playing career -- how much will it delve into his personal life?
DeHerrera: The three hours will concentrate primarily on his 18 major championships. However, sections are dedicated to his family’s charitable efforts and a good portion of the final segment of Tuesday’s episode will focus on Nicklaus companies and everything the Golden Bear brand represents.
Q: What was left on the cutting room floor that you wish could have made it into the film?
DeHerrera: Additional home movie footage, tournament footage with Jack alongside Glen Campbell and Sean Connery, and several stories from players we weren’t able to squeeze in.
