EP. 1671: Filmmaker Joe Bartone (My Movie Starring Paul Dano)

WILDsound: The Film Podcast · Jan 28, 2026

The famous actor comes to Herman in a dream, convincing him to make his feature “Bear Naked Amazonians from Mars.” If he makes the deadline, the film will take Best Feature at South by Southwest, making Herman an international celebrity.

What motivated you to make this film?

I was inspired by No Wave film – a movement from NYC 1976-1982. In this style, you shoot it now. Before you even have a complete understanding of the story. You blast your way into the production and trust instincts. I thought this would be a great departure from my first narrative film, in which I was much more careful…