Over the past twenty years, the audiovisuals industry has undergone a worldwide growth superior to that of any other sector and,
simultaneously, has been infused by increasingly important technological innovations.
The shift from the analogical to the digital format, and subsequently the rapid development of digital audiovisual technology, has brought about far-reaching changes. A new language, a new form of communication has emerged, which is based on product and process innovation, such as the use of digital technology throughout the entire production process. This, in turn, simplifies work, reduces costs, and creates new methods for collecting and modifying audiovisual materials. Moreover, it increases employment as where there previously were 60 professions involved in the film production process; there will be more than 100 different specialists participating in multimedia productions in the near future. 
This revolution, which began in the United States and Japan, has rapidly expanded and is now firmly rooted in the European and Asiatic markets, too.
In fact, the Audiovisual (AV) industry has become a strategic sector not only for Europe and Asia but for many other regions around the globe, too. The backbone of the industry is formed by thousands of SMEs that are necessary to help sustain both the economy and socio-cultural development in general.

The European Union's audiovisual market is the largest in the world and is expected to grow by about 70% over the next decade.
This makes it a perfect partner for the upcoming and rapidly expanding markets of southeastern Asia.
Last, but not least, it gives us great pleasure to host the Silk Avenue Event in Rome, a city that has been active in the movie industry since the Cinecittà Studios were built in the 1930s. Today, Lazio is one of the most active Italian regions in this sector and with 2,500 large, medium and small enterprises that employ over 54,000 workers, Lazio accounts for 33% of the national audiovisual sector.
These are the factors that led us to propose and coordinate the Silk Avenue Project, which we believe will serve to help narrow the gap between the European and Southeast Asian audiovisual industries and promote research, innovation and business.

Michela Michilli
Filas EU Initiatives and Projects Manager