Ronnie James Dio feature-length documentary is coming
Late heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio is set to be the subject of a feature-length documentary from BMG.
Last updated 11th Mar 2020
The singer’s widow Wendy Dio first confirmed a Ronnie James Dio documentary had started filming last May, and now more details about the project have been revealed.
Fully authorised by the Dio estate, the as-yet-untitled film is being financed and executive produced by BMG who will release it worldwide.
Helmed by Don Argott and Demian Fenton, it’s the first ever official documentary about Ronnie James Dio and it will focus on his early life and entire fabled music career - from his fledgling days with Elf through to his final project Heaven & Hell.
The film will “set against the backdrop” of Ronnie James Dio’s unfinished autobiography -which has half-finished before his untimely death from stomach cancer in 2010 - and it include rare archival footage and photos from Dio’s personal archives.
It will also shine the spotlight on Dio’s extensive charity work, including the 1986 Hear ‘n Aid compilation album he organised alongside Jimmy Bain and Vivian Campbell, plus the posthumous Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund that was launched in his honour.
Wendy Dio says: “I am very excited to be working with BMG on Ronnie’s long-awaited documentary. “Ronnie loved his fans and I hope they will enjoy this trip through Ronnie’s life.”
Kathy Rivkin Daum, Executive Producer, BMG, adds: “We are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with artists to tell their stories on the big screen. Dio, a larger than life rock hero, whose music means so much to millions of fans worldwide, deserves nothing less.
“The story behind his passion, ambition, and the highs and lows of success, in the rock and metal worlds, is something audiences have never seen before and won’t soon forget. We are honored to partner with Wendy on this incredible journey celebrating Ronnie’s life and work.”
Wendy Dio has previously said she wouldn’t make a Ronnie James Dio movie biopic like Bohemian Rhapsody, The Dirt and Rocketman.
"No, I don't wanna do a biopic,” Wendy told The Metal Voice. “Nobody could play Ronnie, I don't think. I don't think so. I'd like to do a straightforward documentary of Ronnie's life, with lots of footage of Ronnie.
“I've got so many interviews that Ronnie did and so much stuff that I'd really like to just keep it very, very natural."