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.