December 22, 2024

Skylight Webzine

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Wendy Dio -The Dreamers Never Die Interview

1. What was your role in ‘DIO: DREAMERS NEVER DIE’ as an executive producer?

My job as an executive producer was to work with the filmmakers to ensure that everything would go according to plan in making the film we envisioned.

2. How did you choose the material (photos, videos, etc.) to appear in the documentary?

I personally went through the archives of photos and videos that I provided to the filmmakers and gave them names of other sources who would have additional materials to fill in the narrative.

3. How did you decide to release it as a film format with theatrical distribution?

The plan was always to make and release the documentary as a feature film.  We wanted to create a special event for the fans, so when we were approached by Trafalgar Releasing with their concept for a “special event” theatrical release, it was a good fit because of their enthusiasm for the film.  The theatrical release gave fans a “concert” feeling.

Dreamers Never Die poster

4. Did you have any thoughts or discussions with TV platforms to release it as a TV product?

The film will have its television premiere on SHOWTIME on December 1st. It will also be available to stream via the SHOWTIME app.

5. How was the collaboration with BMG for the final release of the film?

BMG financed the film, and we worked together on rolling it out, first at film festivals, then the theatrical release and now the broadcast and streaming platform.

6. Did you have any second thoughts about the material that would appear in the film?

No, I was very pleased with the material that was included.

Ronnie live (Photographer: Gene Kirkland)

7. Would you change anything if you had the opportunity to re-produce the film content?

No, I am very happy with the entire movie, and it appears that fans and reviewers feel the same.

8. Do you have any unseen/bonus material yet, which will be used for a re-issue of the film or for its release on other formats?

Yes, we showed deleted scenes as a bonus to fans who attended the showings in theatres.  It’s possible that those scenes will make it onto releases on other formats in the future.

Ronnie James Dio (Photographer: Richard Galbraith)

9. Which was the initial goal upon being involved in the project, and do you feel that you managed to reach it?

I wanted to keep Ronnie’s music and memory alive.  I think the film achieved that goal.

10. What is your contribution to the spiritual legacy of Ronnie by producing this movie?

My contribution to Ronnie’s legacy is keeping his music alive and bringing it to new audiences whenever possible.

Interview main photo by Wendy Dio

DIO: Dreamers Never Die | Official Website | 28 September 2022 (diodreamersneverdie.com)