A Boost from Jocko

A couple of years ago, recent Torrey Pines High grad Michael Gallagher abandoned his acting aspirations and took a New York Film Academy summer course in L.A. Now 18, he has written, cast, and directed 30 short films. They didn't make any money, but his eagerness to work helped him to break into music videos.

"Jocko Marcellino is the drummer with ['50s oldies band] Sha Na Na. He's one of two original members. He knew me from one of my short films. He had me do a music video for Sha Na Na last year called 'The Cat in the PT Cruiser.' Parts of it ended up being used in TV commercials for Chrysler dealerships in L.A. and a few places on the East Coast."

That venture led to a project for a local band.

"I was told that Get Back Loretta was in dire need of a music video, that they needed it immediately and there would be no money in it for me. I contacted every talented crewmember I worked with and some good actors. The video is about a guy who comes home and sees his girlfriend cheating. He becomes so enraged that he turns into a werewolf and he chases the guy down through the streets of San Diego."

Gallagher says because Get Back Loretta was happy with their video, he did receive compensation; now he's got a plan.

"My model is to create top-notch videos for people at wholesale prices. We have various packages starting at $3000.... I searched countless websites, and the cheapest company I could find to do a music video would charge you upwards of $20,000."

To see Gallagher's work on YouTube, enter a search for "Michaelgallagher2."