Jerry Zucker to direct Packers' Jordy Nelson in WI tourism ad

MADISON -- The Wisconsin Department of Tourism plans to bring together Hollywood director Jerry Zucker and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson for its fall 2013 TV spot. The filming of the TV spot is taking place in early October in the Green Bay area. It will air next fall.

Zucker, a Wisconsin-native, has directed, written and produced “Airplane!,” the “Naked Gun” series and “Ghost,” and most recently, the hit comedy “Friends with Benefits.” In directing Nelson, Zucker hopes to catapult the Packers' star into acting legitimacy much the same as he did for basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar in “Airplane!”

Zucker’s partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism follows in the footsteps of his older brother, David, who returned to Wisconsin to successfully direct the department’s winter 2012 and summer 2013 TV spots.

“I saw David’s first two Wisconsin tourism ads so, fortunately, the bar is not set too high for me,” Zucker said.

Without disclosing too many details, the ad will parody a classic Hollywood film and show that “there’s no place like Wisconsin” when it comes to enjoying the spectacular color palate of fall.

For Nelson, the opportunity to star in next year’s fall commercial is one that brings some bragging rights to a locker room that’s already seen its share of Hollywood fame in recent months.

“I’m excited to be working with Jerry Zucker and being a part of this Wisconsin tourism ad is a way for me to say thank you to the people of Wisconsin for the warmth and hospitality they have shown me and my family since becoming a Packer,” Nelson said.