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