The Agent Emes Blog - DVDs and Videos for Jewish Kids

Riding on a donkey... the Cover

2012-01-17T12:25:00.003-05:00

Hi Folks,

I know it's been way too long since I've posted here. Needless to say, I've been busy finishing up the new episode. While it is still a couple of weeks away from being released in the stores, the cover has been designed; and it's a good one.

While we're at it, it's possible that some of you haven't yet seen the trailer to this upcoming gem. So here it is for your enjoyment.

And here is the cover

2011-07-26T11:51:00.004-04:00

Thanks to the great work of Sruly Meyer (of Designs by Sruly), I am proud to present the cover to our upcoming release "Agent Emes And The One That Got Away"

Trailer Here

Agent Emes #12 - The Trailer is out!

2011-07-22T16:54:00.002-04:00

The release date has not been confirmed yet, though I expect to begin shipping the newest Agent Emes episode around the 3rd week of August - barring any unanticipated delays. Thanks for your patience. I am also prepping to shoot #13 next month, so it's been busy busy busy.

Maybe a little bit longer...

2011-07-07T17:13:00.002-04:00

What can I say? It's been a tough year.
Here's the good news. The new episode is essentially finished (one more shot to insert), then it's sound mix and DVD authoring. The not-such-good news? I won't be releasing it until mid-late August. This decision came down from our marketing department (me) after careful deliberation and extensive discussion (with me).

I have started working on a trailer for those of you who are REALLY eager to see something, but I'm not happy with it yet, so you'll have to wait for that too.

In the meantime, trying to finish a script or two to film in August.

Oh - some really big news: We're gonna have a new Agent E this year (Mati had to drop out to pursue other opportunities.

More on that later....

Number 12: It won't be (that) long now

2011-05-26T15:36:00.002-04:00

Hi fans -
Here's what I can tell you:

The timeline is almost set. Meaning, that the new Agent Emes film is edited together.
This does not, however, mean that it is finished. There is still MUCH to do before it's ready to release.

In particular order they are:

1. Pick up a couple of establishing shots.
2. Lots and lots of special effects (I should really stop writing them in, I guess)
3. Sound cleanup - the biggest hassle in the universe
4. Music
5. DVD authoring
6. Cover design

Amidst all of this I will TRY to make a trailer, though there are certain things I don't want to give away... So we will see.

New Poster Design

2011-02-24T09:57:00.003-05:00

Better late than never. We plan on hanging these all over NY in advance of Purim.
Stay tuned for more info

Jewish Music Report Interview

2010-11-05T10:55:00.003-04:00

Thought you might enjoy seeing this excellent video review from Jewish Music Report's Mendel The Sheichit!

OVER 250 COME TO OUR PREMIERE

2010-11-01T12:28:00.004-04:00

The Premiere screening of "Agent Emes in Shushan Shpittsburgh" was a huge success, as over 250 Shpittsburghers showed up for the show this past motzoi Shabbos.

The DVDs should hit the stores this week, and are available to order online (and save 10%) on our Agent Emes home page

World Premiere this Motzoi Shabbos Chayei Sara

2010-10-26T15:14:00.002-04:00

That incredible designer, Tanya Cohen, really outdid herself this time, with an eye-catching flier announcing the world premiere of

AGENT EMES IN SHUSHAN SHPITTSBURGH

WHEN: Saturday October 30. 8:00 pm

WHERE: Yeshiva Girl's School

Pittsburgh, PA

WHO: Kids 5-12, adults, and parents

The DVD will be released first week in November

New Cover design just released

2010-10-13T12:38:00.004-04:00

Gotta say my wife really came through with a

knockout cover this time around.
I'm getting very excited about the release of

"Agent Emes In Shushan Shpittsburgh"

Oh, and in case you missed it, here's the trailer. Please pass word along to all your friends!

The first Agent Emes is still in yeshiva but....

2010-09-06T17:04:00.002-04:00

Every once in a while he picks up a guitar and learns a new song.

Here's a little home recording of Sholom Ber Cohen singing a song by Shwekey called "Vehi SheAmda"

L Shana Tova U'Mesuka to all!

Sholom Ber Cohen sings "Vehi Sheamda" from Leibel on Vimeo.

Episode 11: AGENT EMES IN SHUSHAN SHPITTSBURGH

2010-08-03T15:01:00.003-04:00

Hi Folks,

Thought I'd take time during this brief, break in the action, to fill you in on some known facts about our upcoming fall release:
"Agent Emes in Shushan Shpittsburgh"

On July 9 we completed principal photography on episodes 11 & 12.
Yesterday, I finished the rough (in some cases very rough) cut, of #11.
It is running 45 minutes, but a lot remains to be trimmed and cut. On the other hand, several scenes have still not been completely filmed, so my guess is the final running time will be between 45-48 minutes. Give or take a useless credit.

Everyone is wondering about our new actor in the title role. His name is Mati Wechsler. He is a talented and enthusiastic actor who has appeared in other films and will bring a new dimension to the Agent Emes role.

Returning will be Amy Guterson and Hirsh Dlinn (both of whom haven't been seen much since episode #5), as well as regulars Reuven Russell, Moshe Pekkar, Yosroel Leeds, et al.

As for our villain(s)... this time around there will be no Uncle Evil, and no Dr. Lo-Tov. This story will be a little bit different, and I'll let you know a little more about it in a future post.

Don't Forget to check out the streaming vids elsewhere on this page!

Now Shipping!

2010-05-24T23:08:00.002-04:00

Agent Emes #10 is now shipping.
You can place your order here.

NOW TAKING ORDERS!

2010-05-14T09:10:00.003-04:00

"Agent Emes Vs. The Karrupter" will ship next week (either Tues, or latest Fri)

Thanks for your patience.

You can place your order here

More Behind the scenes

2010-05-09T14:33:00.003-04:00

Corner of Murray and Forbes, midnight on day 6 of last summer's shooting.

More Behind The Scenes Footage - Day 6

2010-05-05T15:01:00.004-04:00

The proof has been approved, and the paperwork done, so it shouldn't be long now.
In the meantime, enjoy some more "behind the scenes" footage from #9 & 10, this one with commentary by my son, Sholom Ber.

new Behind the Scenes footage

2010-05-04T13:43:00.002-04:00

While we wait for the duplicators to do the first run of Agent Emes #10, I wanted to share some more "behind the scenes" footage with you from last summer's production. This should be a regular feature of mine, so if you don't see any for a while, feel free to write to me and complain.

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Here is the cover: "Agent Emes Vs. The Karrupter"

2010-04-27T10:13:00.002-04:00

I am excited about this one. Still putting together the final touches, but it shouldn't be long now. Tell all your friends!

The Trailer is Ready: "Agent Emes vs. The Karrupter"

2010-04-26T09:58:00.005-04:00

Thanks for waiting so patiently.
As I scramble to finish all aspect of this latest episode, I found some time to throw together a trailer that is now online and ready for viewing.
As always, your thought and feedback is appreciated.

Still working on it...

2010-04-20T14:27:00.002-04:00

Hey out there.

I know how you are all eagerly awaiting the latest Agent Emes episode "Agent Emes Vs. The Karrupter", and so are we.
I am currently entrapped in post-production (re: After Effects) hell, and will let you know as soon as I emerge.
What can I say? This stuff takes a long time, especially when you have to do it yourself.
And since you are all used to a certain level of cheesy special effects in Agent Emes stories, I wouldn't want to disappoint you this time around.
Best estimate? Out to the printers in 10 days, in the stores (and online) in 20. That should put us at about a week before Shavuos.

Until later...

Leibel

New "behind the scenes" video now online

2010-03-20T22:57:00.003-04:00

Hey Fans,

A gut voch to all.
Just uploaded a little ">"behind the scenes" video from filming last summer that I thought you may enjoy.
Just something to keep you going while waiting for the completion of the next Agent Emes episode (#10, the Karrupter)

Enjoy.

And remember - if you join our Facebook fan page, you will save 15% when we release the new episode.

Another Agent Emes costume from Purim

2010-03-13T21:43:00.002-05:00

Here's Minnesota's biggest Agent Emes fan, along with a note from his parents:

"It's hard to imagine a greater fan than Mendy Mishulovin from MN. Purim wasn't much of a change for him as he frequently dresses up as Agent Emes. This pic is from Purim, though.

He'd like you to know that whenever he earns the privilege of watching a video, he always chooses an Agent Emes one.

Please keep putting out great AE videos....he can't wait until the next one!

A kosher and Freilichen Pesach!"

Keep Sending them in!

Special Costumes in Agent Emes - The Karrupter

2010-03-11T16:00:00.007-05:00

The big news is that there is one, yes ONE more day left of shooting on Agent Emes 10: "The Karrupter".

Yesterday found yours truly haunting the streets of downtown Squirrel Hill wearing the extremely cool, and excessively heavy Karrupter costume. This thing has to be seen to be believed.

The short story is that I had been planning for months to rent a 1950's-style spacesuit from a costume shop in LA. That is, until a week out of shooting the Karrupter scenes, and they told me the very affordable rental of $350 was only good if I returned the costume to them in 7 days. Let's see... LA to Pittsburgh, regular shipping time: 3-4 days. Then figure Shabbos in between. It was clear that either I had to cough up and extra $600 to overnight the thing, of go pay for the extra week. The affordable costume was suddenly no longer so affordable.

I quickly got on the phone with Adam M., my creative collaborator, and we decided to buy a cool suit on ebay, and then he (Adam) would dress it up to be even cooler.

So we found the snazziest old silver suit we could find and then I got the winning bid, because no one else was remotely interested in the monstrosity. The tip off should have been that is was officially described as an "Air Fed" suit.

When the suit arrived, the meaning of that term became quickly apparent. By the way, it came without the air supply.

But, I was already in for the duration, so Adam worked magic on the 40 lb. sweat-suit and, in the end, we had our Karrupter costume.

So last week we filmed Marty Giles, the extremely talented actor who plays Karrupter, wearing the special suit. He was great. But there were still a lot of b-roll shots, stuff like the villain walking around town in the suit, that we needed to get. And rather than bother Marty with the ordeal, I suited up, and Adam and Clint shot the b-roll.

So that is what I am editing in now.

I also have a ton more special effects to do, so this baby is far from over...

Until later.

Now why didn't I think of this?

2010-03-05T13:44:00.001-05:00

Are these the ultimate Agent Emes costume pictures?

Agent Emes Purim Costumes!

2010-02-28T00:48:00.003-05:00

Happy Purim to all. May it be the last one in golus!

I wanted to share some pictures of kids I found wearing Agent Emes costumes tonight. If you have any to send back, by all means, I'd love to see them.

Postponed because of snow

2010-02-18T20:27:00.002-05:00

Important Production Update!

I was planning on finishing the last two days of shooting "The Karrupter" this coming Sunday and Monday, but because of the immense amount of snow that still hampers Shpittsburgh, I am postponing it for a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, there is plenty to keep me busy preparing the footage that has already been shot, auditioning actors for this summer, and writing scripts for new episodes too!

Make sure to check out the great savings you can get by ordering all nine episodes at once, by visiting

www.agent-emes.com

Agent Emes #10 - Teaser Scene

2010-01-27T13:06:00.002-05:00

Hey what do you know? Two postings in one day. As promised, here's a scene recently cut for the new "Karrupter" episode.

Comments are welcome.

Agent Emes 10: The Karrupter (teaser scene) from Leibel on Vimeo.

Pics from the set - yes we are STILL filming #10

2010-01-27T09:38:00.004-05:00

Agent Emes #10 (now called "The Karrupter") is still filming.

Yes - you heard me correctly. 85% finished in editing, but last 15% is still yet to be filmed.

So we have been squeezing days in as schedules and weather permits.

I am down to a skeleton crew at this point, as the funds have dried up.

And - if anyone has been following the weather these days - it's been quite cold this winter.

So here are a few pics from last week's shoot inside an abandoned brake manufacturing warehouse. It was freezing and dusty and late.

Our Cinematographer, Doug Stanczak

Contrary to popular belief, Yissachar actually performs his own stunts in Agent Emes. Here he is, about to turn a doorknob.

Even in the middle of a take, if someone calls out "dinner is here", everything stops.

Enjoy. I think I'll post a teaser scene shortly.

AGENT EMES' GREATEST CHALLENGE

2010-01-08T09:59:00.001-05:00

So what am I supposed to do about this?

Status of Agent Emes 10: "The Korruptor"

2009-12-29T16:03:00.003-05:00

Hi there eager fans,

The plastic is still warm on #9 at it appears that some are already clamoring for another Agent Emes.

So here's the deal (u know I am always honest with you).

Agent Emes Number 10 is 3/4 filmed already. I have 4 full days of filming to get everything "in the can" as they say.

Here are the problems:

1. Some essential crew members are unavailable

2. It is REALLY COLD now in Shpittsburgh, and we have outdoor scenes to do.

3. Yissachar is getting seriously big (bar mitzvah soon approaching), and he is beginning to not look so much like he did this past summer, when most was shot. So that will be VERY INTERESTING.

4. I have no money left to pay for last days of production.

What???? You ask. No money? How can it be? Isn't Agent Emes like the most popular thing on Jewish earth?

Yes. He (It) is. But that doesn't translate into many copies sold. What can I tell you? Cash flow just isn't there.

It's complicated.

On a positive note: The footage I DO HAVE looks really good.

Hope this satisfies your craving for Agent Emes news.

The new episode: Time for feedback!

2009-11-17T18:01:00.002-05:00

I (almost) always love to hear back from our fans.

If you've seen the latest Agent Emes "The Sofer Situation", please write and let me know what you thought.

I think a lot of people have seen it by now.

Just came back from Kinus where I had the chance to meet many fans (mainly their fathers), face to face.

Early Early returns are overwhelmingly positive

2009-11-10T20:34:00.003-05:00

Great news!

My mother likes the new Agent Emes! This bodes well not only for the just released

Agent Emes And The Sofer Situation, but for the future of the franchise as a whole.

But seriously...

Haven't heard much from kids yet, but the few adults who have seen the new film have enjoyed it!

Early purchasers should begin receiving their copies tomorrow and the next day.

Lucky Them!

You can get a copy sent to your doorstep by visiting

www.agent-emes.com

for your consideration... the new trailer!

2009-10-29T15:58:00.004-04:00

I apologize to those of you who my object to the use of youTube. It was just the easiest way to post it quickly.

Comments are welcome.. What do you think? Does it make you want to see the movie?

Agent Emes & The Sofer Situation - COVER READY!

2009-10-27T09:31:00.001-04:00

As promised, here's the cover we just sent to the printers for our new episode. Coming very soon... Agent Emes and the Sofer Situation

Another Title Revision

2009-10-25T16:11:00.003-04:00

Believe it or not, this is how it sometimes happens in the big leagues.

New title:

"Agent Emes and Sofer Situation"

Cover is being completed as I write this.

Will post as soon as available.

Number 9 - coming soon!

2009-10-22T16:30:00.002-04:00

Hi Fans,

Sorry for taking so long between posts. What with Twitter, Facebook, and all the other "social networking" sites, I have basically stopped publishing anything. On one hand, I am overwhelmed, but on the other, I am just lazy.

The truth is that I have been VERY BUSY trying to finish up Agent Emes #9.

The official title for the new episode is now

THE SOFER STORY

I think it's pretty catchy.

The episode itself will run about 51 minutes in length.

We test screened it at Hershey Park last month, and used the feedback we received there to cut out some extraneous material that didn't move the story forward.

Hershey was amazing, as we met a lot of existing fans, and also sold a lot of DVDs to new ones. The exposure was fantastic. Can you believe that there are some who still haven't heard of Agent E? Sad, but true.

I hope to be posting a clip from the Hershey appearance, as well as a trailer for the new episode soon.

So let your friends know: Agent Emes: The Sofer Story is coming soon.

Best to all.

First Pics from the new production!

2009-07-03T11:06:00.002-04:00

As I mentioned in my last post, filming on the next two great Agent Emes episodes took place last weekend at the Yeshiva Girl's School. Most of the stuff was for a boy's classroom scene, but I only have pics so far for a brief scene in a girl's class. Breaking new ground here, and I hope the fans will enjoy a glimpse into the "girl's side" of life as well this time around.

Pics courtesy of my wife, Tanya.

New production starts next week!

2009-06-22T21:49:00.002-04:00

The Agent E carousel never stops spinning, as we once again move into "production" mode and begin filming episodes 9 & 10 for the upcoming year.

The most exciting thing about these new episodes is that I will finally be introducing a new villain into the mix. I know, I know, Uncle Evil was new, but he is still part of the "Lo-Tov" family. This time I'm veering more into the super-villain category that you find in the comic books. All I can tell you is his name: "The Korruptor". But more I will not say.

The ninth episode will feature a lot more of yours truly, as Rabbi Abrams, as well as some nice stuff with Terri Naiditch as Ma Lo-Tov.

Still, all beginnings, as they say, are difficult, and I am always nervous when beginning a new production, especially when not all the elements are completely in place (like endings for both episodes, for instance).

Stay tuned. I hope to post pics from the shoot as we go forward.

Agent Emes 8 is reaching stores today!

2009-06-02T16:05:00.002-04:00

In deference to the outcry from some stores that I make episode 8 available for them to sell, the new Agent Emes is being distributed to Judaica stores throughout greater New York today.

I am a bit concerned not to antagonize fans who responded to my ads that the episode is only available from our website. However, these ads have mostly come and gone, and now the situation has changed. "Agent Emes and the Shavuos Trial" is available in stores and from the official Agent Emes website.

Wanna hear a story to about just how far some stores were willing to go so that I would ship them the new episode? I'll use a fictional name to protect the guilty.

A man, Zev, emailed from Judaica Store X telling me that a secret consortium of Judaica stores was gathering together to boycott Agent Emes and return DVDs of previous episodes to my distributor. He wants to know why I wasn't shipping. This email made me quite nervous, naturally.

Now on the very same day, I received an email from Yehuda X, saying that he is a teacher at a Flatbush yeshiva, and wants to pay wholesale for 25 copies of the new AE that he can sell to his students. That sounded good, so I began to negotiate prices and terms with him.

Then I became suspicious.

I googled Yehuda X and found his name once, and only once on the whole internet. And guess what? He was soliciting business for the same Judaica Store X that wrote me about he secret boycott of Agent Emes!!!!

You understand what is going on over here?

Neither do I. But this man was obviously willing to go to great lengths to get Agent Emes onto his store shelves.

This, in part, is why I caved to pressure from stores to get it in to them sooner than I had originally expected.

Anyone out there seen the new episode yet? This is a great place to leave feedback.

Shipping Tomorrow!

2009-05-19T09:11:00.003-04:00

Great News!

The new DVDs are arriving today, and we will begin shipping tomorrow.

This time we are doing something different though.

"AGENT EMES AND THE SHAVUOS TRIAL"
CAN ONLY ORDERED FROM OUR WEBSITE!

That's right, it will not be in stores! (At least for the time being)

So head on over to agent-emes.com and be one of the first to get a copy.

Our new cover is out!

2009-04-30T08:12:00.005-04:00

We are moving along toward the release of "Agent Emes and the Shavuos Trial". I hope to begin shipping in about 2 1/2 weeks.
Here's the new cover

The Shavuos Trial - A teaser scene

2009-03-20T14:08:00.002-04:00

Agent Emes and the Shavuos Trial - teaser scene from Leibel on Vimeo.

I know many of you just can't wait for the release of episode 8. "Agent Emes and the Shavuos" trial, so just to wet your appetites a little, I am posting a teaser scene which in classic storytelling terms might be dubbed "The Call To Action."
I just try to come up with new ways to do it in each episode which are hopefully not too hoeky.

Enjoy. Pass it around. Feedback is appreciated.

wanna see my picture on the cover...

2009-02-18T21:44:00.002-05:00

of IMDB?
Used to be you were "something" if you were on the cover of "Rolling Stone" Magazine. Now it's if you make it to IMDB.
I'm happy to report that due to the unceasing efforts of our sound man, Zach Mazefsky, Agent Emes #6 is now "something."
Check it out
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1376147/combined

Slicing away on Agent Emes #8

2009-02-16T12:40:00.002-05:00

Haven't updated here in a while. Of course a lot of you have been asking "when is the next Agent Emes coming out?" A legitimate question indeed. The title, of course, is a big clue: "Agent Emes and the Shavuos Trial." It won't be ready by Pesach, but the plan is to have it out a few weeks before Shavuos.
I'm trying my best to allocate some of the many responsibilities involved with releasing an episode. The biggest hurdle I face with number 8 are all the special effects shots that have to be done. For the past few shows I've been doing it myself, but this is hardly the best possible use of my time.
So this time around I think I've found a couple of very capable university students who are studying motion graphics to handle the duties for me. It's great experience for them, will look very good on their resumes, will relieve me of the very time-consuming hassle, and, most important, probably end up looking better than anything I could have done.

You know, to wax philosophical for a moment: A person must be honest with themselves and try and determine what they are best at, and concentrate on those things. Only the vary rarest of person can be excellent at almost everything, and I am, for certain, not one of those. My interest is in making professional looking, entertaining, and educational films for the Jewish audience. There are plenty of people who are interested in creating cool motion graphics, so why not let them do that part?

Film has always been the most collaborative of art forms, for the simple reason that there is too much to do for one person to do it all him or herself. that's why some, writers especially, get so worked up about the "A Film By..." credit that appears in front of so many of today's movies. The director certainly brings everything together, especially on set, but there are countless (in my case you can count them, but that's different story) individuals who contribute to your average motion picture who make the final product what it is.

It's an interesting discussion for another time and place. My own feeling is that the "film by" by credit, if given at all, should only be awarded to a writer/director of a film, but almost never to the director alone.

Blah blah blah. Time for lunch.

Part 2 Ships Monday, Dec 15

2008-12-10T15:47:00.002-05:00

Yes, you read it hear correctly. Episode 7, "Hard To Forget: Part 2" is almost ready to ship, so all of you who have been asking "what happens to Agent Emes?" will finally get your answer.

I'm not gonna post a trailer for the new episode, but in the meantime, you can enjoy this little piece I put together from this year's Chabad Kinus Hashluchim

Agent Emes at Kinus Hashluchim 5769 from Leibel on Vimeo.

Part 2 is almost ready!

2008-11-25T17:46:00.003-05:00

I've been working furiously to finish episode 7 AKA Part 2 of "Hard To Forget". Here's what the new cover is going to look like:

But I had to go to Brooklyn for two days to introduce part 1 at the Chabad Kinus HaShluchim, and to buy a new kapote, and good kosher meat for my refrigerator.
The kinus was great. As usual, I was inundated with rabbis of all shapes and sizes telling me that they had strict orders not to come home without the new Agent Emes.

I also showed a sneak peak at part 2, which was close enough to being ready to warrant a preview. Since the kinus fair took place at Ohelei Torah, where a cheder is located, a bunch of kids came down during their recess to watch the new film.

I was nearly crushed against the wall as they strained and pushed to get a good look at my modest monitor. The other vendors were shooting me looks as well, as the kids were disrupting business for anyone near them.
On one hand I felt bad about it, but it was hard to ignore the positive publicity that came from it.

I took some video of the event, and as soon as I am finished with #7, I'll post something you all to see.

One more thing: last week I bought a GPS to take with me to NYC and I recommend it for anyone who ever finds him or herself driving in a strange city. It's a huge stress reliever, and lots of fun as well.

Until later.

Feedback Time

2008-10-10T15:41:00.002-04:00

The new Agent Emes has finally reached the stores, and we have started shipping units out of Pittsburgh.
I'd like to start hearing feedback from those who have seen it, so feel free to use this blog to offer your comments.
A good yom tov to all!

Pre-Release SALE - 20% off

2008-09-18T23:27:00.004-04:00

Agent Emes: Hard To Forget (part 1) is at the duplicator and we expect to begin shipping the first week in October.
If you want to be among the first to own this great new episode, log on to
www.agent-emes.com
where you can pre-order the DVD and save 20% off the suggested retail price.

Cover is ready!

2008-09-17T11:36:00.002-04:00

The DVD sleeve artwork for the new Agent Emes DVD cover is now ready!
I think Tanya did a great job on this one. Please keep spreading the word about
"Agent Emes" Hard To Forget"
Available in stores between Rosh Hashona and Yom Kippur.

The new Trailer is up!

2008-09-03T09:04:00.002-04:00

Here is the trailer for our upcoming release " Agent Emes: Hard To Forget (part 1)"

Agent Emes: Hard To Forget from Leibel on Vimeo.

I am working frantically to finish all aspects of the DVD, including sound mix, color corrections, special effects, and even a new special feature.

The DVD will available in stores and online by the beginning of October 2008.

Please pass word along!

Production is finished!

2008-07-14T16:29:00.003-04:00

Here's the latest on the most exciting year for Agent Emes yet.

We have finished production! Almost.
Up until the second to last day of filming, we were completely on schedule. But on day #25, I finally overestimated what we could get done - so I have now fallen behind one day - which I will make up in August.

I'm not gonna say much about plots at this point. What I will tell you is that while some of the previous cast will be returning for the next three episodes, many of the key roles have been filled with new characters and actors. There is, of course, a new Agent Emes, but there is also a new villain, set of parents, and siblings for the new character.

People have been asking about a trailer/teaser, and I will do my best to get one up by late Aug, early Sept.

Since wrapping on Monday, I have been making a rough cut of episode #6 (1st for this season), and have now completed almost 20 minutes of that.

One of the nice things is that the special effects requirements are not so extensive for #6, so that should make the process go much faster. The third one we shot (number 8) is going to be loaded with SFX, so I will have my work cut out for me this Winter.

Last thing I'm gonna mention is that if there are any web marketing, or just plain marketing experts out there, who have ideas for how to spread word of Agent Emes further into the world, please let me know.

Over and out.

Third week of production!

2008-07-09T11:20:00.002-04:00

It's time to restart this blog, because Agent Emes has been completely re-tooled, and we are gearing up to release THREE huge episodes over the next year.

Right now, we are busy filming all three episodes simultaneously, and, thank G-d, we are still on schedule.

By now, almost everyone knows that we have replaced Sholom Ber and are introducing a new Agent Emes. He is being played by a very talented boy name Yissachar Shollar.

We are also introducing a new villain to oppose Agent Emes, and we are calling him Uncle Evil. UE is being played by Pittsburgh acting legend, Sam Nicotero. He has brought a new brand of villainy to the series, and we think our fans will love what they see.

Of course, mixed in with all this will be compelling stories, and valuable Jewish educational content.

So start counting down, because come this October, a new Agent Emes will hit the stores.

Feedback Time

2006-11-07T23:46:00.000-05:00

The new episode hit the stores yesterday, and I am anxious to hear the reaction to it. So if any of you out there have had a chance to watch "Agent Emes and the Happy Chanukah", here's your chance to let me know.
For those of you who placed orders on our website, and are anxious to see the episode for yourselves, I will be getting my shipment tomorrow and begin shipping immediately.
Just hang in there a few more days.
Over and Out.

Now taking orders!!!

2006-10-27T11:12:00.000-04:00

Hi folks. Long time.
I was REEEEL busy finishing up
"Agent Emes and the Happy Chanukah". Doing sound and special effects takes a LOT of time. But still, I think we are more or less on the schedule I set for this episode oh so many months ago, give or take a few weeks.

The master copy is at the duplicating center as I write this, and they are giving me a completion date of November 3. That means this latest and greatest Agent Emes episode (and I do mean greatest) should begin appearing in NY-area stores by Sunday, Nov 5.

I will be able to begin shipping, G-d willing, on Nov. 8.

In short, WE HAVE STARTED TO TAKE ADVANCE ORDERS.

Visit our home page and see for yourself.

Episode Five Teaser - See it now!

2006-09-01T11:02:00.000-04:00

Hi Folks
The moment many of you have been waiting for has arrived, I suppose.
The first fruits of my latest labor: The official "Agent Emes and the Happy Chanukah" teaser. It's about 3 minutes, 50 seconds long and features temporary music composed in Apple's "Soundtrack" application.
I think it works, but would love to hear feedback from you viewers out there. So please, comment away.

Still lots to do in order to get this out on time, so gotta run.

you can check out the Agent Emes 5 teaser in ipod format here:

http://agent-emes.com/FIles/teaser for ipod.m4v

And don't worry, you don't need a video ipod to view it, but you DO need Apple's "itunes" app, available in Windows or Mac format

And here it is in mpeg 4. Not as clear, but some of you may prefer it

Enjoy!

on the set

2006-08-07T11:12:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of nice pics from the set. We shot this scene when Reuven Russell, (our Betzalel) came to town this past spring.
Here he is clowning with Sholom Ber
The other pic is of Reuven again, and Adam Marze and Doug Stanzcak, both of whom have made extensive contributions to Agent Emes over the years.

visiting day

2006-08-07T11:01:00.000-04:00

one of the challenges of getting Agent Emes made is the very LIMITED time the kids have for filming. For instance, when they are in school, it is for most of the day. When the school year is finished, they have a week break, and then it is off to camp.
Speaking of camp, we just came back from visiting Sholom Ber in Morristown. Here is a pic of him, his cousin Levi, his little sisters Elisheva (the baby) and Sara, and brother Mendy. Enjoy

making progress

2006-08-07T10:48:00.000-04:00

Hi all. Long time. So much for a “daily” blog. How about a semi-annual one?
I tend to be overly ambitious, and sometimes have trouble living up to my self-imposed own expectations.

We are a little more than half way through the summer, and things are coming along with Agent E 5. I have a rough cut done – at least with the material that is already filmed (“in the can”, as the saying goes).

There still remains a very big scene to do – which even has a date attached to it: Tuesday, August 22. Modi will be returning to Pittsburgh the day before, and we will go into the recording studio to record the music we will be lip synching to the following day.

You see, this new Agent Emes ends with a big concert scene where we will hear Agent Emes (and others) sing. The working title (and probably the final one as well) is “Agent Emes and the Happy Chanukah” It looks as though it will have a running time of over 50 minutes, making it the longest episode to date.

Here’s how the editing process works:

After filming our scenes, we are left with miniDV tapes containing the “raw footage” of all the takes for all the scenes. As mentioned in a previous blog, the editor (myself in this case) must separate and import (“log the footage”) into the computer. I use the Macintosh system and the incredible editing software called Final Cut Pro.

Once all the footage is in the computer, separated into individual takes, I then begin the process of selecting the best ones and pasting them all together into a comprehensible narrative. Since I wrote the script and am intimately familiar with the story, I don’t have to rely on notes as much as an editor who did not write and direct would. I basically know how the shots should go together to tell the story.

However there are always complications to deal with. As I say, the best performances must be chosen. But these takes must flow together from long shot to medium shot to close up as smoothly as possible. Sometimes the best performances don’t cut together so well. Or sometimes the first half of a take might be great, and the second half will have a major breakdown. So the editor must find a way to put two or more versions together to make one good one. There is quite a bit of slight of hand involved in editing.

At this juncture, I have cut together the entire episode (minus the material that has not yet been filmed), and I am pleased with the way it is turning out. It so happens that this episode is the most special effects intensive to date, so I have taken on an assistant to help create the lightsaber effects we need for two big fight scenes between Dr. Lo-Tov and Agent Emes. My assistant is a fifteen year-old boy who is very quick to pick up the techniques necessary to pull of the effects. I would mention his name, but since I don’t have his permission, I won’t. Those of you who have seen previous episodes would recognize him as the boy who played the part of “Yoni”. He is really doing a great job, but there is a LOT more to do, school starts up again in three weeks, and he is on vacation this week in Alaska.

The rest of the effects will done either by myself, or the same person who did effects on previous episodes.

Once I am happy with the flow of the edited film, the next step is to make corrections on the picture. This process is called “Color Correction.” Without boring you with details, this involves lightening, darkening, and changing the color balance of individual shots so that they match within a scene, and do not create distracting discrepancies. In other words, if one shot is tinted green, and the next one is reddish, the viewer sees this (maybe only subconsciously), thus creating an imposition to the viewing process. It takes the viewer “out” of the story, so to speak.

Next comes the music and sound editing.

I am beginning to bore myself. Suffice to say that this all takes a lot of time. And since we are not a mult-million dollar production, I have to do most of it myself.

We are still looking at a target release date for mid-October 2006, but I don’t want to make any promises.

More to follow.

On scheduling

2006-06-08T10:55:00.000-04:00

Today is June 8, 2006.
We have a wedding in NYC on Sun, June 25, and after that, Sholom Ber goes straight to camp.
That gives me 13 shooting days to finish everything involving Agent Emes/Shimmy himself, so I can edit the episode over the summer. This is harder to arrange than you might think.

First, there is school. I can't very well take the poor kid out of yeshiva to act, especially with finals coming up, etc. It sends the wrong message to him and his friends. Yeshiva is the most important thing.

Then there is pony league baseball. Although Ber's team is quickly compiling the worst record in Pittsburgh pony league history, he still loves to take part in the games, and since this is the last year he will realistically be able to participate, I don't want to take away any game nights from him.

And that's only Sholom Ber's commitments.

In a "real budget" film production, the participants are professionals who make themselves available when needed, because they are being paid. On Agent Emes, almost no one gets paid. Their time is all voluntary. So the windows of scheduling opportunities become much tighter.

The other thing is that on a real, funded production, an individual called a "line producer" is hired to break down the schedule and make sure everyone is available when needed, so that the director (in this case myself) would be able to concentrate on the task of directing the film. It so happens, however, that I have to do just about everything here. So yesterday, for example, I spent about four hours pouring over all the different dates, sets, and people and juggled and re-juggled all the elements until I arrived at a schedule that MIGHT work, provided that the weather cooperates, and that the crew is also available.

I have been trying to arrange these last weeks of filming, one of which involves an actor flying in from NY for four days. His name is Modi. He is an excellent stand-up comic and burgeoning actor who I know from years ago when I lived in Boston and he was a BU student who used to come to our local Chabad House. I booked Modi to fly to Shpittsburgh for four days and do ALL his scenes in one week.

One of the scenes we need to shoot, the climactic concert scene of the episode, involves a large cast of extras, and multiple camera. This means I need multiple crew members, cameramen, etc. Well two days ago I found out that the Shpittsburgh Steelers are filming some kind of TV commercial, and since jobs like that don't find their way to the city any more, all of my potential crew will be occupied with that.

I can't very well shoot the concert scene with no crew then. So I am forced to postpone it until after the summer, and before school starts (sometime the last week of August). But what if Modi cannot or will not fly back here that week. Then what?" I'll be stuck without a climax scene.

Gam Zu LaTova (this too is for the best). I couldn't book any of the local theatres as locations for the scene but MIGHT be able to for end of August. If I can pull it off this way, then I will also have more time to prepare the musical performances for the scene. I plan on recording the music before the filming, so the actors can just lip synch to the music and concentrate on the acting. In sum, postponing the date of the big scene might be better for all.

The other reason I feel comfortable doing this is that the scene does not involve any special effect composites. Those will take the most time this summer. If I can get the entire episode edited during the summer, then I can just film this last scene and still have the DVD out for early fall.

I hope this post was of interest to someone out there. I will soon send out an announcement to our email list telling people about this blog.

Hope this post was of interest to someone out there.
let me know

Does anyone read these?

2006-05-30T23:18:00.000-04:00

As I am new to this blogging thing, I thought I'd throw out a question:
How do you know if anyone is reading your blog?
I'd hate to think I am wasting my time here, but as there are thusfar no comments, I have to assume that no one even knows I am here.

Editing Agent Emes

2006-05-26T01:08:00.000-04:00

editing here refers to film editing, and not the censorship I sometimes have to engage in to keep our many observant Jewish fans happy. But that is a discussion for another time.

There is something very empowering in this day and age, when it is possible to edit an entire movie in the comfort of your own home, sitting at your own computer. It is an enjoyable challenge to put the footage together like a jigsaw puzzle, then trim the pieces to create the tightest, most effective cut possible.

What many don't realize, however, is that before we get to the edit, we have to feed all the footage into the computer in a process called "capturing". I capture just about every take - except for the obviously bad ones - so I have as much as possible to choose from in editing. This process is tedious and time-consuming and very UNglamorous. On production that actually have a budget to work with (unlike ours), there are usually one or more assistant editors who take care of this part of the process. Not so on Agent Emes, where we keep all expenses to a bare minimum.

There is a very cool recent technological development whereby it is now possible to shoot all the video footage not on tape, but straight to a hard drive. The advantage is so obvious, that I believe soon almost everyone will be doing it. The takes are all there ready to be transfered to your computer and worked on immediately.

If and when (G-d willing) I have a chance to upgrade my camera package (which is really pathetic at this point) I will try to procure a system that includes hard drive capture capabilities.

I must be boring the reader, because I know I am boring myself.

In short - today I edited... sort of. What I really did was capture.

The last 3 days

2006-05-24T17:37:00.000-04:00

We just did 3 straight days of intensive shooting.
On Sunday, May 21, a group of Sholom Ber's classmates met us behind a local school and we filmed a fun basketball scene. The weather in Shpittsburgh was quite rainy last week (although the past 2 days have been beautiful) and Sunday morning was cloudy and drizzy too. Just when we were about to call of the filming, the sun came out, so we ended up with a great afternoon for filming.

In truth, it was almost too sunny. If the sun is out and shining brightly, it casts very hard shadows and it is difficult to get a good video picture. You are almost better off with an overcast day - which usually results in a better overall picture. There are ways to cut down the effects of the sun, but a very small crew (just me and another guy named Adam), and a very low budget (we couldn't afford to rent the huge silk diffussion we would need to cut the sunlight) we just did the best we could.

At any rate, the kids gave us three hours of their time after school, and were patient throughout, although we did have to coral them occasionally when they got out of hand. Compared to what it was like to film with mostly the same kids for the first Agent Emes (3 summers ago!!!) I'd say it was a vast improvement.

The whole day took about four hours. We still have to go back with Sholom Ber to pick up some shots we didn't have a chance to get. He was really funny in the basketball scenes.

The next morning, Reuven Russell, the very talented actor/performer/chassid who plays "Betzalel", the leader of "Tov Me'od" Headquarters, flew in from New York. We spent the past two days filming seven pages of the script that involved him. The first day we shot in front of a green screen. This is a device that allows you to extract the performers (or whatever your subject is) and plant them in front of a different background of your choosing. Lighting the green screen, an actual 12 foot high and wide piece of green cloth, takes experience, so I brought in Doug S. a guy who has worked on previous AE episodes. He is very knowledgeable, and we got some good stuff. This scene will also be very funny.

The shoot was in the broadcast studio at Chatham College, which is housed in one of famed industrialist Andrew Mellon's former homes. It is a huge building, and they built this studio where Mellon used to have his own personal bowling alley.

Yesterday we moved upstairs to a fancy oak wood room in the Mellon home, and used it for a couple of sets in Tov Me'od. We tried to re-capture the lighting effect we have seen previously in the AE/Betzalel exchanges. One of hte scenes we did happens to have been the conclusion of the upcoming epsiode. There will be BIG SURPRISES in this scene, but I'm not telling what they are.

We finished up last night at around 12 AM, after which I drove Betzalel to a hotel near the airport where he had a very early plane back to NY this morning.

Now I have to go home and see my wife and kids. Ta ta for now. We want Moshiach now!

A director's diary

2006-05-24T17:13:00.000-04:00

A lot of rumors are flying around about the current status of Agent Emes - so I thought it best to put the main one to rest: There WILL be an Agent Emes #5 (G-d willing). The series is not over.

We have already filmed roughly half of the 50 page script, and expect that most of the principal photography will be completed by the end of June. It has to be, because Sholom Ber (the kid who plays Agent E) is going to camp on the 27th.

Another thing I can tell everyone is that as the series creator, number five will be, by far, the best episode we have done yet. There will be a ton of action and comedy, and almost every scene holds a different surprise designed to delight the kids and amuse the adults.

Episode number five will also have lots of MUSIC. Some of you may have seen the video we posted after Sholom Ber's bar mitzvah this past January, when he sang a couple of songs. Well we plan to feature him even more in the upcoming episode.