Hancock Park producer and former competitive tennis professional Anne White screened her documentary on legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri at the Los Angeles Tennis Club last night where White is an honorary member. The documentary, “Love Means Zero,” made its debut at the Toronto Film Festival last year winning a spot in the highly competitive documentary field and was recognized as one of the best 25 documentaries of the year.
The movie tells the story of Bollettieri’s incredible drive for success and the personal cost to himself and some of his greatest students. Much of the film focuses on his relationship with Andre Aggasi. Director Jason Kohn’s probing questions compel Bollettieri to look inward instead of forward for what seems like the first time in his life.
“I was nervous to show him the final cut,” said White, “But he really liked the film, it’s really Nick!”
White, a former student of Bollettieri’s, credits him with giving her a career in tennis. Bollettieri gave the Charleston, WV native a scholarship to his tennis training camp where she perfected her game. White turned pro in 1987 and played eight years on the circuit reaching #19 in the world in singles and #9 in the world in doubles. White is currently the head tennis professional at the Beverly Hills Tennis Club.
White began working on the documentary after a tour of her former tennis camp, now IMG Academy. She was convinced a movie had to be made telling the how Bolletteiri transformed the game of tennis and how young players are trained.
“Love Means Zero” will premiere on Showtime on June 23 and be on demand starting June 24.
