Famed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns didn’t plan to pursue a film on Leonardo da Vinci, his first non-American subject. But he was drawn to the subject, thanks in part to the master painter’s similarities to Benjamin Franklin.

The celebrated documentarian co-directs this two-night extravaganza on PBS about the towering genius of the Renaissance.

MY SAY Ken Burns launched his own illustrious career 43 years ago with "Brooklyn Bridge," and until now, never left these shores, while picking over the bones of every major American historical event and cultural landmark he could find.

Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns stops by TODAY to discuss his new documentary, “Leonardo da Vinci,” his first film that covers a non-American topic, and chronicles the life and work of the 15th century Italian artist,

Wrinkled faces, contorted expressions, weak bone structure, and gaudy outdated headdresses are common features which are present in these strange sketches by da Vinci.

This week, senior reporter Eileen Kinsella speaks to documentarian Ken Burns about his first foray outside of American history.