When Tyrants Kiss is the latest collaborative effort of CarnegieMellon's English Department, staff, and students. From start to filming, this labor of love took over eight months to develop. During 10 days of shooting, close to 60 people from Carnegie Mellon and the Pittsburgh area worked on the project without pay — if the meals producer Danny Josephs provided aren't counted.

Tyrants is a multi-layer mystery set in 1937 Pittsburgh that follows a moment in the life of Sam Harris (Alex Candese). Harris is a not-so-bright con man investigating the murder of his brother, police officer Skip Harris (William Hittinger), and how it relates to the supposed suicide of Dr. Theophilus Farrell (Jack Ball).

As the film progresses, Harris uncovers the insidious scheme of a mysterious group represented only by a skull insignia. With the help of his smarter partner and long time friend Angel Parks, Harris delves into a world of intrigue and seduction, meeting up along the way with characters like Pangburne Masters (Dan R. Pagath), the wealthy and slightly odd Pierce DeWitt (Christopher Dippel), and the beautiful Lucinda McGrath (Melanie Julian).

Many of the actors involved had never acted before, but it's hard to tell. The film's excellent dialogue downplays any flaws in their performances. One surprisingly polished newcomer is Dana Wright, who portrays Angel Parks. This was his first part in the business, but his skill suggests that it will not be his last.

Jeffrey Hinkelman, Hunt Library video collection manager, had a small acting part in Tyrants. Hinkelman has been involved with about a dozen other student films, but says that what set this one apart was its length. Despite the longer running time, he says, filming went smoothly, thanks in large part to HSS masters student, and Tyrants director, Michael Scotto.

"Mike stays focused," Hinkelman says. "[He makes sure] everyone stays on the same page…. At the same time, he's genial enough to keep everyone in a good mood and reduce the tensions that can crop up during the course of a shoot."

Tyrants is based on a story by Danny Josephs, producer of the film and business manager for CarnegieMellon's English department. Josephs, who has [held that position] for nine years, is retiring this year to work at his family business. Though the idea for the plot was his, Josephs says the production of the film was a truly collaborative effort.

"Mike Chemers [assistant professor] overheard me telling the story to an English department work-study [student], liked the story, and then offered to write a script. Mike is very collaborative so many people inputted the plot line. He took the input and over Christmas wrote the script."

Josephs says he just provided the setting for the film. He attributes the burden of the work to cinematographer Laurence O'Neal Suarez and director Scotto.

At the private screening of the film in October, it was revealed that Josephs will be remembered at the University with the "Danny Josephs Project," a fledgling fund that will assist and support young artists who wish to produce independent films. It will enable passionate students to attract support in order to accomplish their creative goals.

Tyrants is proof that collaborative efforts can accomplish greatness — and it doesn't cost $60 million to produce a film. The film premiered November 6 as part of the Three Rivers Film Festival.