Nate Drew and Max Christopher, students at the University of Pittsburgh, have produced their first feature-length crime thriller titled “Wire.” The film was developed with a group of classmates, alumni, and local creatives who continued to collaborate after the project was completed.
“Our whole film community came from working on that set,” said Drew.
The team’s work was showcased at The Lindsay Theater as part of its Emerging Filmmakers Showcase. This program supports independent filmmakers by providing professional projection, sound, promotional resources, and networking opportunities with other local artists.
“It was the first time I had ever publicly shown off my work,” said Christopher, a supply chain and marketing major in the School of Business who is also minoring in film and media studies. “Being surrounded by friends, family and collaborators was an incredible experience.”
Christopher originally conceived “Wire” as a short film centered on Devlin, a private investigator drawn into a murder mystery after receiving a disturbing phone call. As production continued, the story evolved into a full-length feature that addresses issues related to masculinity and self-perception.
“At the end, the whole thing gets flipped upside down,” said Drew, who studies film and media studies and history in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. He explained that Devlin is revealed to be an unreliable narrator throughout the story.
Drew noted that they observed peers experiencing negative influences related to masculinity and aimed for their film to encourage viewers to reflect on how personal narratives can shape reality.
“We really wanted to talk about and try to make a movie that would get people thinking — not just about the film and its topics, but about themselves,” said Drew.
Production lasted over eighteen months and involved approximately 60 cast and crew members from Pitt’s student body, alumni network, and local creative circles connected through organizations like Steel City Entertainment Networking Entity (SCENE).
“Everyone there was working for free because they believed in it and wanted to learn,” Drew said.
Support from SCENE included a $50,000 equipment grant that allowed access to professional-grade gear for “Wire” as well as other student projects. Drew acknowledged ongoing support from university staff: “The people that I have worked with at Pitt … everyone there wanted to see us succeed, and wanted to support us.”
7to8 Production and Distribution began in 2023 as an informal initiative among student filmmakers before becoming an organized company led by producer Adam Snook. The core team now includes Drew, Christopher, Zain Adamo, and Maia Nikolova—all affiliated with Pitt.
As graduation approaches for Drew and Christopher this spring, they reflected on how filming “Wire” documented their experiences in Oakland—showcasing locations that have since changed or disappeared.
“We were able to sit there and basically watch our college experience play out on a screen,” Drew said.
Both filmmakers described completing “Wire” as evidence of their growth—from early ideas shaped by limited experience to finishing with more advanced technical skills. After graduation, Drew plans to stay in Pittsburgh working on new projects with 7to8. Christopher intends to continue telling stories rooted in Western Pennsylvania regardless of where his career leads him.
“Whether it involves the city’s history, people or unique landscape, I want to continue to highlight the region where I was born and raised,” Christopher said. “Pittsburgh will always be with me on that journey.”
The team is considering further screenings and distribution opportunities for “Wire.” A trailer is currently available on their YouTube channel.
