Netflix, Leonardo DiCaprio To Partner On Docuseries

Netflix has signed actor/producer Leonardo DiCaprio to a first look deal to produce non-fiction projects for the over the top streaming service, the company said Wednesday.

As part of the multi-year deal which also includes production company Appian Way, Netflix and DiCaprio will work together to identify and develop potential fact-based projects, with a particular focus on environmental and conservation themes, including original documentaries and docu-series as well as acquired existing projects.

Netflix and DiCaprio most recently partnered on the documentary Virunga (pictured).

“This partnership is a natural extension of our incredible relationship with Leo on Virunga” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “We look forward to building on our shared success with more thought-provoking, high-quality documentaries and docuseries.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.