DiCaprio to make green documentaries with Netflix

Hollywood A-lister Leonardo DiCaprio is working with Netflix to produce a series of documentaries with an environmental and conservation focus, the online streaming giant said Wednesday.

The 40-year-old will serve as producer or executive producer on fact-based programs under the partnership deal between Netflix and his production company Appian Way.

DiCaprio and the pioneering streaming service first worked together on "Virunga," a documentary set in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which was nominated for an Oscar this year.

"Working with Netflix on 'Virunga' has sparked a shared vision about projects that we want to develop and bring to viewers," said DiCaprio, in a statement announcing the plans for programs to premiere exclusively on Netflix.

"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.

He added: "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."

Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos added: "This partnership is a natural extension of our incredible relationship with Leo on 'Virunga.'

"We look forward to building on our shared success with more thought-provoking, high-quality documentaries and docu-series," he added.

Netflix pioneered streaming services initially with movies and TV shows and, increasingly, original programming for its more than 57 million members in more than 50 countries.