POMPTON PLAINS, N.J. — Film distributor BayView Entertainment has announced the release of 'My Movie Starring Paul Dano', a satirical journey through the highs and lows of independent moviemaking, as only award-winning director Joe Bartone could tell it.
When delusional filmmaker Herman dreams he is visited by famed actor Paul Dano, he rushes into producing a B-movie space opera while awaiting the star’s arrival. Along the way, his hopes and dreams are tested by the pitfalls of filming with a cast and crew overflowing with eccentrics, while his funds dry up like a dead riverbed.
Sure to resonate with start-up entrepreneurs — or anyone who loves indie film — the comedy plays as a 'Waiting for Guffman' meets 'Bowfinger' variant, with meta nods to 'Being John Malkovich' and 'The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent'. According to Bartone, its roots go deeper, with Herman inspired by the sheer determination of filmmakers like Ed Wood.
“For my second film, I chose a surrender to willful ignorance as found in the late ’70s indies from New York City — films like Edo Bertoglio’s 'Downtown 81' and Jim Jarmusch’s 'Stranger Than Paradise',” says Bartone. Citing Hollywood’s credo that films must have big names attached, he counters: “You want a big name in the movie? I’ll put one right on the poster.”
Produced by Small Factory Films, 'My Movie Starring Paul Dano' has won 20 top awards at festivals, including Best Director at the 2026 Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema and Best Feature at the 2025 San Pedro International Film Festival. It makes its digital debut on streaming platforms beginning May 26.
“BayView Entertainment has always been a haven for independent filmmakers,” says president Peter Castro. “'My Movie Starring Paul Dano' drew us in because it truly captures what it feels like to pull off the most astounding magic trick of all: making a movie.”
