Ok, ready for a bunch of new words.

Strangeberry.
Akimbo.
Orb.
Lulu.

Don't know them - try adding .com and then take a look. I'm sure you don't know of any of them, or at least most. But if you're a filmmaker - each of these companies will matter in the future of film.

First- Strangeberry. I don't know WHAT they do. it's a super-secret silicon valley start up that ties the internet to your TIVO box. How important is the super secret goo? Well Tivo just bought them - to help them move into the IPTV space (that's 'internet protocol television'). This will speed the ability of filmmakers to push films to viewers without going through a network or a distributor.

Second - Akimbo. this product exists. It's a box that sits on your TV, but rather than record content from cable TV - it downloads programs from the internet (IPTV again). They've got deals with GreenCine and CinemaNow already in deals, and more film to your TV via broadband coming along soon.

Orb. Once again - a product that is just rolling out. This is a product that takes digital content (movies, videos, photos, music) that can allow you to down it anywhere that you have a web browser. The content is streamed from you home PC to any device anywhere you are.

Lulu. Today Lulu is an up and running publish-on-demand printing service. You can write a book, lay it out, publish it, and sell it - even buy an ISDN number and it's published through Amazon. Do you think this service is on the horizon for filmmakers - (check out CustomFlix.com for the answer).

I've been wondering why I'm so unwilling to dig into the VOD channels on
Time-Warner Cable... Even the free ones.

I think I have the answer.

There is a fundamental difference (in my head at least) between the way I
experience television and the way I watch movies.

TV is disposable. I watch it, fast forward (tivo) through boring parts or
plot lines I don't like, and don't fee any commitment to the material.

On the other hand movies are an event. Whether it's a DVD from Netflix, a
rental from Channel Video, or a VOD movie from Time Warner - it's a much
less casual experience.

Some of that is length. A 90 min movie isn't something you can breeze
through. And since I often don't get to watching a movie or TV until 10pm
at night...

And then there's the risk of starting a movie that I don't want to stick
with. Ordinarily that wouldn't be hard - but every now and then, I'll
settle in to a movie that I think I'm going to like, and my wife and I will
have a split decision. Ok, it doesn't happen often. But when it does, one
of us has 90min of dreck to try and tune out.

For filmmakers - the fear of commitment to a film on VOD may mean we need to wait longer than we might hope to get viewers to take risks on things they haven't heard about.

What is a "Roll-Up" and why does it matter to you?

If you're active in the film, documentary, or film communities in New York then you've no doubt heard the rumors about a Roll-Up that's making it's way door to door from one mid sized company to another.

The pitch is seductive, and simple. You've got all this value in your company... Wouldn't you rather be focused on creative work and filmmaking, and be part of an enterprise that will do the sales, business affairs, and financial back office work for you?

No obligation. No risk. Seems too good to be true?

Here's some free advice. Take it for what it's worth.

1. Roll-Ups are about using your reputation, equity, clients, and library to raise money. Make sure anyone who approaches you has a real financial base. Make sure that ALL correspondence is copied to your lawyer and theirs.

This is NOT a casual transaction. It's your life, and your future.

2. Letters of credit. If someone is asking you for personal financial information - you deserve to see theirs. Who is their bank? Who is their accountant? Will they provide a letter of credit, or a 'break-up fee' if they use your reputation, brand, and financial information to shop for a deal and then don't include you in the transaction?

3. NDA. Non-disclosure agreement. Don't let anyone see inside your company without an NDA. And make sure it's SIGNED. Hold firm. If you can't get a legal document that protects your interests - don't proceed.

4. Google. Everyone has a history. If one of the principles seems to have non past, no work history, no former clients or employers... You're not dealing with people who's past activities can be verified. This is a warning sign.

5. Legal research. In this era of the internet, don't assume that everything you need too know about your potential partners can be found on the internet. Legal research is arcane, and often involves proprietary databases like PACER that can't be searched without a low-cost subscription. Once again - your attorney should advise you to do both a civil and criminal background check on any potential investor or acquirer of your company.

5. Creative people tend to be trusting. And asking hard questions of someone you think may be a lifelong business partner can be uncomfortable. But business people understand due diligence. They shouldn't want things to be done in a less than forthright manner. If you're uncomfortable asking tough questions - make sure your accountant and lawyer do it for you. Any transaction that can't pass the smell-test with your accountant and lawyer is one you can afford walk away from.

6. If it seems to good to be true - it is. This is a hard business. And the people who've built businesses that are attractive to investors tend to be honest, passionate, trusting, ethical individuals. But those qualities are attractive to less scrupulous characters as well.

Knowledge is power.