George Gallo
About
Biography
Biography
Screenwriter who after getting lucky with his first script ("Wise Guys," 1986, directed by Brian De Palma) went on to produce and direct. Originally a graphic arts student, Gallo was inspired by Martin Scorsese's "Mean Streets" (1973) to take a film appreciation course and got hooked. When the college informed him that in order to switch majors he'd have to do his first year's studies over, he dropped out and wrote "Wise Guys" instead. It took five years to get the screenplay produced; in the meantime Gallo continued writing while supporting himself with odd jobs.
His next produced script, the action comedy "Midnight Run" (1988), was based on an idea he had during a particularly difficult flight to L.A. The box-office hit starred Robert De Niro as a bounty hunter tracking a mob-connected embezzler played by Charles Grodin. It later spun off into several installments in the syndicated "Action Pack" TV-movie series, which Gallo executive produced.
With "29th Street" (1991), Gallo made his directorial debut, working from his script based on a true story related to him by actor Frank Pesce. The feature was well-received and marked an auspicious debut for Gallo. In 1994 Gallo became a triple threat when he wrote, produced and directed "Trapped in Paradise" about three brothers who plan to pull a bank heist in a small town only to be smothered to distraction by the kindness of the locals. Critical reception was weak.
Filmography
Director (Feature Film)
Writer (Feature Film)
Music (Feature Film)
Special Thanks (Feature Film)
Writer (TV Mini-Series)
Producer (TV Mini-Series)
Life Events
1986
Wrote his first produced screenplay "Wise Guys", directed by Brian De Palma
1988
Scripted "Midnight Run", a popular comedy adventure starring Robert DeNiro and Charles Grodin
1991
Made directorial debut with "29th Street", which he also wrote and produced
1994
Helmed the unsuccessful screen comedy "Trapped in Paradise"
1994
Executive produced three TV-movie spin-offs of "Midnight Run" as part of the syndicated "Action Pack" series
2004
Wrote the screenplay for "The Whole Ten Yards"
2007
Scripted the comedy "Code Name: The Cleaner" starring Cedric the Entertainer
2010
Wrote and directed the crime film "Middle Men," starring Luke Wilson
Family
