Steve Smith

I created the concept for THE ALEX CRYSS CHRONICLES in 2001. Over the next three years I worked on developing characters, back story, etc., and in 2004, I created a rip reel and pitched this project to a number of networks and publishers.

In 2007, a new producer at WTTW in Chicago found the pitch and called me. THE ALEX CRYSS CHRONICLES was eventually optioned for development in September of 2008. I am currently writing the project as a weekly webcast accompanying a feature film for television. My friend and collaborator Grant Weiss and I, along with my former student and family friend, Natalie, have been shooting several scenes for the pilot webisode of the the first CRYSS-CROSSING THE WORLD series, which is the educational show within a show for the ALEX CRYSS CHRONICLES.

ABOUT ALEX
Meet ALEXANDRA (ALEX) CRYSS, 15 year-old star of the top-rated “Cryss Crossing The World” web series. Alex and her crew search the world for keys to unlock ancient mysteries and legends. Though a teenager, she is a serious scientist devoted to her field. She leads her team into amazing discoveries and sometimes danger, but always with positive outcomes.

THE ALEX CRYSS CHRONICLES multimedia project (books, videos, activity products, etc.) will introduce kids to the Indiana Jones-style adventures of ALEX CRYSS, as she explores mysteries of ancient cultures, legends of mythological monsters, and searches for archaeological artifacts on all corners of the globe. Her personal mission: to uncover hard evidence of the existence of the legendary city, ATLANTIS. ALEX will come face to face with mythological creatures like the Loch Ness Monster, Aztec Mummies, as well as breathtaking and other wild life. They will explore legendary sunken cities, find the remains of Captain Nemo’s Nautilus, and clues that will help ALEX in her quest.

As a property, THE ALEX CRYSS CHRONICLES will appeal to both a young female and male audience. The main character is a strong, smart, positive female role model. The two main supporting characters are parental in nature. One is a heroic male type, the other a talented researcher, director and producer. Outfitted in custom wardrobe, 007-style gadgets, and other elaborate adventure gear, the team will snowboard white mountains, surf warm oceans, swim with dolphins, scale lofty cliffs, and ride rampaging rivers, all in the name of science, and all for the excitement of young readers and viewers.

The geography in this series is factual. The archaeological journeys are based on actual sites and theories. ALEX will grow up as the webisodes progress and the feature film is made. Alex as a character will graduate high school and enter college within the series just as the actress portraying Alex grows up. The character was originally created as an adult, based on a teacher who had significant impact on my family.