Netflix Inks Deal With Leonardo DiCaprio For Exclusive Documentary Distribution

Netflix has struck a deal that will bring a host of new non-fiction projects to its library. The streaming video service has teamed with Leonardo DiCaprio to exclusively stream documentary-style projects created under the actor’s Appian Way production house.

As reported by Deadline, DiCaprio will produce or executive produce all the films and series born from the Netflix deal. The streaming platform previously teamed with the actor on his documentary Virunga, which received a Best Documentary Oscar nomination in 2014. This new partnership is an extension of that success and will bring about what Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos calls “more thought-provoking, high-quality documentaries and docu-series.” Like Virunga, the projects will all be focused on environmentalism and conservation.

“Working with Netflix on Virunga has sparked a shared vision about projects that we want to develop and bring to viewers,” said DiCaprio to Deadline. “There’s never been a more critical time for our planet or more of a need for gifted storytellers to help us all make sense of the issues we face. Through this partnership with Netflix, I hope to give documentary filmmakers doing urgent and important work the chance to have their films seen immediately by audiences all around the world.”

DiCaprio isn’t the only high-profile Hollywood name to recently team up with Netflix. The streaming platform inked an agreement with Adam Sandler back in October 2014 to produce at least four feature-length films. More recently, Netflix partnered with Mark and Jay Duplass for their own four-film deal. The streaming service has also agreed to be the exclusive distributor for producer Judd Apatow’s upcoming Pee-wee’s Big Holiday film.

In addition to these entertainment options, Netflix will now be able to provide subscribers with a range of documentaries thanks to the deal with DiCaprio.