Recently we caught up with Washington Capitals owner and former Vice Chairman of America Online, Ted Leonsis, over email. Here’s what Ted had to say about his role in the organization, his goals for the team, and his feelings toward the media. Please note that he uses emoticons without shame.

DCist: Now that you’re completely retired from AOL, how much fun is it to get up every morning and not have to go to work?

Ted Leonsis: I actually am busier than ever. I still go into the AOL office a day per week to help. I go to the Caps and Mystics offices more often now, mostly because of the convenience of Kettler Capitals Iceplex. I have been working with sponsors and season ticket holders more than usual. As you know I have become a Filmanthropist. My first film goes into theaters in December and was just sold to HBO for a run on their networks. I am also hard at work on completing my second film, and have a third one in preproduction.

I am working on a book and I have become Chairman of a startup company called Gratis. I have joined some boards–made some angel investments in local companies including Clearspring Technologies. I am spending more time working out and getting healthy and I get to sleep a bit later–although this email is coming to you at 6:15 a.m. :-).

DCist: How was your first filmmaking experience?

TL: As to filmmaking, I believe the medium can be used to activate debate–shine a light on a tough subject–generate consumer volunteerism and charitable giving, while still being considered a “work of art.”

I loved the process. I learned a lot. Nanking has been a big success, winning many awards on the film festival circuit and generating great reviews. Already in China it is the best selling foreign documentary in their history, with more than 1 million people going to the theaters to see it. The film was bought for international and domestic distribution and HBO has acquired the film. I intend to make many more films under the Filmanthropy umbrella.

Photograph (courtesy) of Ted Leonsis.