Yes, there is definitely more 'content' available now. Also a lot more Italians are speaking English.

Paris is an even worse place for artists to live and work. Make things affordable for artists, and artists won't leave. Society is much better when you have artists amongst your midst.

When a media baron runs the country (like in Italy), it can't be good for the films being produced.

Germany has a license fee twice as much as in Italy. (much Germany cinema is beyond terrible but). The UK also has a higher tv fee.