Adam Lapallo
I grew up in Mechanicsville, VA. I first discovered writing by watching my mother publish her first book, “Dark Enough to See the Stars,” and set out to write my own stories, specifically a novel called “The Kingdom of Dreams and Shadows.”
When I was 12, my novel became a finalist in the Book Arts Bash, inspiring me toward success.
Part of my writing process involved learning to fence, as my protagonists had to learn to sword fight in the book.
This is how I discovered the Mechanicsville Fencing Academy, through which I went on to earn national ratings in all three weapons (currently a B in foil, D in Epee, and E in saber), compete in the Junior Olympics 3 times, and spend a season as the #1 Ranked Men’s Foilist in Virginia.
While writing my book, I discovered filmmaking by making stop-motion animated sketches using LEGO blocks. It quickly became addicting to create worlds and tell stories through this visual medium (and garnering over 150,000 views on YouTube).
This led me to pursuing a degree in Cinema from VCUarts.
Fun Fact: during college, I was also the Treasurer and Head Coach of the Wizengamot Quidditch Club at VCU, and I'm not even embarrassed about it. I'm putting together a Richmond community Quidditch team called the Richmond Vampires for VCU and UR alumni.
During my time in film school, I wrote the screenplay for “Limbo,” the VCUarts Cinema Department’s 2016 production. I also earned a University Scholarship from VCU, made Dean’s List, and worked at the VCU Writing Center during my junior and senior year.
Before I graduated, I won the Virginia Screenwriting Competition for a TV pilot about my fencing experience.
From 2018-2021, I was the Head Coach of the Mechanicsville Fencing Academy following Coach Bobby’s retirement. I trained students of all ages and experience levels in foil, saber, and epee fencing, with an emphasis on healthy competition and self-actualization.
My feature screenplay, “UNTOUCHABLE”, chronicles my experiences at MFA and the difficult decision to leave my position there to pursue filmmaking. “UNTOUCHABLE” was a Top 10 Drama Screenplay in the 2021 Final Draft Big Break Contest.
I discovered the Virginia Screenwriters’ Forum in 2017 and have been active member ever since.
In addition to making some wonderful friends and colleagues in the screenwriting world, I have been on their Executive Board as their IT Specialist and organizer of the VSF Short Film Showcase sine 2022.
As the president and founder of Wolfpack Films, I write and direct narrative films in the genres of horror, thriller, and sci-fi.
My films have screened in at the Northern Virginia International Film Festival, the Magic of Horror Film Festival, the Poe Film Festival, the James River Short Film Showcase, and many more.
In September 2020, I had the incredible opportunity to direct and produce a pitch trailer (a 3 minute proof-of-concept for a potential feature film) for my screenplay adaptation of my mother’s book, “Dark Enough to See the Stars.” I was fortunate enough to find an amazing cast who channeled the three women the story is about, and the project came together better than I could have hoped for.
The script was named a finalist at the Loudoun Arts Film Festival.
Today, I’m here to collaborate, create, and connect through writing, filmmaking, and video production.
I’ve worked with Costar Reality, the Virginia Screenwriters Forum, Homes.com, Scribble Software, Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center, AMC, Apple+ TV, VCU, The Virginia Production Alliance, and many others. I’d loved to work with you!
Additional Adam Lapallo Trivia
I met Ron Howard when he came to speak at the Richmond Public Forum.
Ron, if you’re reading this, I love you.
I’m not married, but I modeled for a wedding photoshoot at Pamplin Historical Society in 2019.
My actual girlfriend (not pictured) was less than thrilled.
This is my dog. His name is Jack and I love him more than life itself.
Sometimes he forgets who I am if I leave for too long.
I’m awesome on the piano and my karaoke go-to is Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.”
I do not know how to play Piano Man.