Nick Gaglia Plus

User Bio

After honing his skills with several short films, Nick Gaglia directed his first feature, Over the GW, based on a true story of an abusive, cult-like, drug-rehabilitation center. GW premiered at the 2007 Slamdance Film Festival, where it was the first "under the radar" narrative feature in the festival’s 13-year history to get a distribution deal after its first screening. Over the GW went on to win critical appraise through its nationwide, limited theatrical run:

"The rehab drama is here to stay!" – The New York Times

“Over the GW is an assured first feature by 25-year-old writer-director Nick Gaglia." – New York Post

"Not to be missed!" – Chicago Sun-Times

"Emotionally potent!" – Variety

"Shocking…the film accrues a learned sense of what it feels like to have the very fibers of one’s soul placed under a magnifying glass." – Slant Magazine

"Must-see indie film!" – Huffington Post

"An edge-of-your-seat thriller!" – Infomonkey

"Gaglia shows admirable maturity and restraint in his storytelling." - E!

Over the GW was also cited in a 2008 Congressional hearing on Child Abuse and Deceptive Marketing by Residential Programs for Teens, where it was hailed "an incredible story!"

In 2009, Gaglia released the narrative film Aaron Bacon -- inspired by the book Help at Any Cost by Maia Szalavitz. This film is based on the true story of a precocious, 16-year-old boy who dies as a result of abuse, including malpractice and starvation, in a tough-love, wilderness, drug-treatment facility. Fox News called the movie a "powerful film!"

WOR Radio hailed the movie as, "A powerful, enthralling, and engrossing film with a superb script, direction, and editing by Nick Gaglia, who is on his way to becoming a master of the film medium!"

Over the GW and Aaron Bacon are both available to watch for free on his official site nickgaglia.com.

In between features Gaglia directs music videos and commercials; bringing his signature style to short-form work.

Gaglia's activism work includes speaking on the topic of treatment abuse of adolescents at various conventions, universities, and venues; including Capitol Hill, NYU, Dr. Phil Show, Fox News, Real Talk, WOR Radio, Fordham University, and Cal State. In 2013, Gaglia received two humanitarian awards from the Survivors of Institutional Abuse Organization for the work he has done raising awareness through film.

Gaglia's latest feature film which was shot in four countries including France, Switzerland, Italy, and the US; the sci-fi tinged Altered States of Plaine made its world premiere in Brazil followed by Mexico, Argentina, and Uruguay; where it picked up a screenwriting award! Turner Broadcasting will be airing it on television starting later this year.