- Highlights
by Redazione VeNews
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From the need for a public-private fund to strengthen production companies to safeguarding intellectual property on foreign markets: APA President Chiara Sbarigia analyzes the industrial challenges facing the Italian audiovisual sector, with a view toward the evolution of the MIA and an openness to emerging formats such as microdramas.
President Sbarigia, from the Venice Lido, what do you see as the priority challenges for the Italian audiovisual industry?
The core issue is the undercapitalization of our companies and declining profit margins. The tax credit is essential, but it is not enough: we need targeted bank guarantee mechanisms. For this reason, APA has been working for months to establish a public-private fund to support structural growth.
How can we unlock the competitiveness of our producers in foreign markets?
Three levers are needed: intellectual property protections modeled on French legislation and British Terms of Trade, the extension of co-production agreements across the entire audiovisual spectrum, and a robust international promotion strategy that engages the whole creative and production pipeline.
Rome’s MIA continues to prove itself a key industry event. How will it evolve?
MIA remains essential as long as it innovates and helps small businesses access best practices and international partners. Our goal is to consolidate our presence in Europe and expand into new markets, while tackling crucial issues such as AI and rights management.
Among emerging formats, APA is paying close attention to micro-dramas. Why?
They represent an invaluable testing ground for narrative and production innovation. At the Italian Global Series Festival, we will host a dedicated competition and masterclasses on this vertical format, alongside traditional serialized content.
What is the formula for ensuring a viable future for young talent?
We need structural industry financing and concrete mechanisms bridging universities and businesses to build sustainable pathways into the sector rather than occasional opportunities. Local festivals set a solid example, but high-quality public education is essential to build networks and foster merit.
