RANDY RHOADS Documentary Still In Production

Director Peter M. Margolis of Dakota Pictures is continuing work on the long-awaited documentary film on the life of celebrated rock guitarist Randy Rhoads (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT). He says, "We began filming this documentary March 19, 2007 and I am hoping by the same time this year that we will finally be done with that aspect of production.

"Two years is a very long time to spend shooting a film; however, not that long for a documentary of this nature.

"I remember reading an article in the Hollywood Reporter several months ago regarding a documentary due out about singer Patti Smith. They were interviewing the director who claimed that it took him seven years from start to finish. I remember thinking that seven years seems like an eternity to work on one project, but as we approach two years, I can now see how that could be possible.

"While shooting all through 2008, we began editing as well. It took eight months just to sift through all of the interviews dealing with the period of 1975-1979 to create a cohesive story from that time period.

"Things have slowed for the moment as we have just hired two writers to deliver a narrative script for the voiceover dialogue.

"As for the remaining interviews, in a perfect world there are only six to go. Two of them take place in Australia, one in Arizona and three in Los Angeles. Then there are the re-shoots. Fortunately, we have only found one remaining for the moment, having already re-shot two interviews several months ago.

"This documentary has taken us across the United States more than once, as we have shot in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Nevada to name a few. In addition, we just recently returned from England where we filmed Bernie Tormé, Lindsay Bridgwater, Johnny Cook, Chris Tsangrides, Pete Way, Lee Kerslake, Max Norman and a few surprise interviews. We also shot extensively at Ridge Farm studios where the band lived and recorded for long periods of time while the records were being produced.

"With six interviews to go and ninety seven in the can, I will report again when all the principal photography is complete and the editing is further along."

A number of photos taken at Randy Rhoads's gravesite at the Mountain View Cemetery in San Bernardino, CA on March 19, 2007 to mark the 25th anniversary of Randy's passing have been posted online at this location.

With the blessings of the family of Randy Rhoads, Dakota Pictures and director Peter Margolis began filming the "Randy Rhoads Documentary" in 2007 at the Mountain View Cemetery. In hopes to fully capture the significance of the 25th anniversary of Randy's passing, the filmmakers interviewed as many of Randy's fans as possible.

In 1982, Rhoads, the then-lead guitarist for OZZY OSBOURNE, and two others were killed at Flying Baron Estates, just outside Leesburg, Florida, when their small plane struck Osbourne's tour bus, then crashed into a mansion.