Magic Rock

Background

Gallo wrote the film's screenplay while a psychology student at Pennsylvania State University. Gallo based parts of the Magic Rock on his own 15 Summers spent at Camp Cody For Boys in Freedom, New Hampshire when a boy, and filmed the project on locations in Lake Ossipee, New Hampshire. Prior to its screening at the Stony Brook Film Festival on July 18, 2001, The New York Times wrote that "The idea for Magic Rock was inspired by Mr. Gallo's own experiences at sleep-away camp. The fictitious Camp Kobie was based on Camp Cody, on the shores of Ossipee Lake in New Hampshire, where Mr. Gallo spent 12 summers."

The film won the 'Best Cinematography Award' at the 2001 Angel Citi Film Festival in Los Angeles. Portions of the film's instrumental soundtrack were by singer/songwriter Mikey Wax. Director Bradley Gallo later appeared as a contestant on the reality-TV series America's Next Producer.

Plot

When a beloved Summer Camp director dies, the popular boys' haven will be closed by the heartless Attorney who inherits it unless a dedicated young Camp Counselor can change his mind over one last summer, with the comic help of his oddball campers in a tale of the loyal camaraderie, life-defining choices, camp hi-jinks and summer magic that can make campfire memories last a lifetime.

Awards & nomination