Emerging Filmmakers Showcase: ‘Wire’

The Lindsay’s second Emerging Filmmakers Showcase this month is a locally filmed crime thriller made by two University of Pittsburgh film students.

Wire was written and directed by Pitt seniors Max Christopher and Nate Drew. The duo intended to make a short film, but ended up producing a feature-length story about a troubled loner who becomes obsessed with solving a mysterious woman’s murder.

Their directorial debut will play at The Lindsay on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. This event is free, but RSVPs are requested via the below sign-up form due to space limitations. The screening will be immediately followed by a Q&A with Christopher, Drew, and stars Erik Smith and Gabby Hernandez.

“Wire has been one of the most creatively fulfilling experiences of my life,” says Christopher. “Shot entirely in Pittsburgh, the film highlights every aspect of the city, from the streets of the North Shore to the overlook on Mt. Washington.”

Smith stars as Devlin, an aimless private investigator who spends every day on a mental high-wire act. Devlin makes a series of calls on his 24th birthday in a desperate effort to make connections. “Monica” (Hernandez) answers, and a bond begins to form—at least, for Devlin.

During one of their phone conversations, Devlin hears a scream and a scuffle before the line goes dead. He decides to take control and embark on a dangerous investigation to find “Monica” and save her. Is he simply misguided, or is there just enough time for him to become the man he wants to be?

“Wire drops you right into dark, grimy Pittsburgh, a perfect stage for our first murder mystery,” says Drew. “Wire blends the styles of Nightcrawler, The Batman and Memento with Pittsburgh’s skyline, character and streets. It explores the problems that can arise from the modern media onslaught.”

Christopher and Drew met during their freshmen years at Pitt. Christopher is a North Huntingdon, Pa., native studying film and business, while Drew hails from Philadelphia and is majoring in film production and history.

They’re both part of 7to8 Production & Distribution, a locally based outfit that was founded in 2023 to help student filmmakers bring their scripts to life. Christopher is 7to8’s senior director of brand management and marketing research, while Drew is the production company’s senior director of tech operations and asset management.

Wire is a culmination of Christopher and Drew’s undergraduate experiences, having worked on it since they were freshmen. It also marks the arrival of two promising young Pittsburgh filmmakers.

“Wire is a truly independent work, made on less than a shoestring budget by mostly students—all from Pittsburgh,” says Christopher. “Seeing Wire on the big screen means supporting the up-and-coming filmmakers, actors and artists of Pittsburgh.”

Hello, we are sorry but this event is now sold out! If you wish to be put on a waitlist, please contact us via hello@thelindsaytheater.org