A interview with Leonardo DiCaprio

Symbian: Welcome back, folks! Tonight, we have the pleasure of welcoming a true icon to the show: Leonardo DiCaprio. Leo, it's an honor to have you here.

Leonardo: Thanks for having me, Symbian. Always a pleasure.

Symbian: We all know you as a brilliant actor, but over the years, you've also become a major player behind the scenes as a producer. What ignited that shift?

Leonardo: I've always been passionate about storytelling, ever since I was a kid. Acting was my first way into that world, but as I matured, I found myself wanting to dig deeper, to have a hand in shaping the stories from the ground up. Producing gave me that opportunity.

Symbian: Was there a defining moment that pushed you towards producing, or was it more of a gradual evolution?

Leonardo: A little bit of both, I'd say. In the early days, it was all about honing my craft as an actor, immersing myself in those characters. But over time, I started getting curious about the bigger picture. I'd watch directors and producers work their magic, and I wanted a piece of that creative puzzle.

Symbian: Any specific film or experience that served as a catalyst?

Leonardo: Not one in particular. It was more like a slow burn, a growing realization that I had stories I wanted to tell, issues I wanted to explore. Producing gave me the platform to bring those ideas to life.

Symbian: And you've certainly done that with films like "The Revenant" and "The Wolf of Wall Street." What's the most fulfilling part of producing for you?

Leonardo: It's hard to beat the feeling of watching a project you've nurtured from its infancy blossom into a full-fledged film that resonates with people. It's a long journey, but man, is it rewarding. And as a producer, I have the power to champion stories that might not otherwise see the light of day – films that challenge us, that make us think, that spark conversations.

Symbian: That's a powerful position to be in. How does your acting experience inform your approach to producing?

Leonardo: They're intertwined, really. Being an actor gives me a unique perspective. I understand the nuances of performance, the importance of casting, the delicate balance between artistic vision and commercial realities.

Symbian: Ever find yourself wearing both hats on set, switching between actor and producer mode?

Leonardo: (Chuckles) It happens. It can be a bit of a juggling act, but I've learned to manage it. The key is having a rock-solid team around you, people you trust implicitly to handle the day-to-day while you're in the zone, delivering a performance.

Symbian: And when you're producing a film you're not starring in, how involved are you in the creative process?

Leonardo: Very much so. I'm in the trenches from the early stages, working closely with the director and screenwriter, offering feedback, brainstorming ideas. I'm also heavily involved in casting, location scouting – all the crucial decisions that shape the film's DNA.

Symbian: We know you're passionate about environmental issues. How does that passion influence your choices as a producer?

Leonardo: It's at the core of everything I do. I gravitate towards projects that raise awareness about climate change, that shed light on the beauty and fragility of our planet. And I try to ensure my productions are as sustainable as possible, minimizing their environmental footprint.

Symbian: It's inspiring to see you use your platform for such important causes. Any advice for aspiring actors who also dream of producing?

Leonardo: First and foremost, be patient. It takes time to learn the ropes. Immerse yourself in the filmmaking process, ask questions, and surround yourself with talented, passionate people. Don't be afraid to take risks and champion projects you believe in, even if they're outside the mainstream.

Symbian: Finally, Leo, what's next on the horizon for you as a producer? Any exciting projects brewing?

Leonardo: Always! I've got a few films in development that I'm really fired up about. They cover a range of topics, from historical dramas to documentaries about the natural world. I can't wait to share them with audiences.

Symbian: We'll be eagerly waiting. Leo, it's been an absolute pleasure having you on the show. Thanks for your time and insights.

Leonardo: The pleasure's all mine, Symbian. Thanks for having me.