Commentary introduces the concept of change through industrial development, listing many attempts to kick-start the southern economy, most of which have failed. Road networks have improved, but many schemes are known locally as 'cathedrals in the desert'.

03.04 - 03.38

Dramatic aerial shots show urban and rural landscapes in the region, then focus on Melfi. This is the latest attempt to rejuvenate the economy by the arrival of a large industrial project.

03.38 - 04.53

Inside the Fiat car works. Robots do much of the work on the production line. The plant uses Taranto steel and has 7000 employees. It is a young workforce.

04.53 - 06.02

An extended interview with Roberta Perrone ,a young woman on the assembly line.

06.02 - 06.32

Shots of the production line in action. Commentary emphasises how grateful many young people are for being able to live and work in their home area. This is a new pattern; they generally expect to have to migrate if they want a good job.

06.32 - 07.16

Interview with Pasquale Chiarelli who has returned to Melfi. He left his job in the North to be with his family because the car works looked like a good prospect and because of the lower cost of living in southern Italy.

07.16 - 07.50

The interview continues, and Pasquale talks about his pride in the factory, especially its commitment to quality.

07.50 - 08.39

We look at Pasquale's life outside work. We see his parents' home, and he explains the benefits of living at home.

08.39 - 10.08

Commentary picks out other issues, such as low wages. Roberta is interviewed again. She is happy to make sacrifices for a while, but will want better wages fairly soon.

10.08 - 11.57

Commentary describes lifestyle in general, especially travelling to work in the South. Aerial shots emphasise that people live in fairly isolated villages. The workforce have long, tortuous journeys owing to the hilly terrain and poor roads.

11.57 - 12.50

A building contractor is interviewed. Guiseppe de Leo was born locally and formed his own company ten years ago. He has benefited a lot from Fiat's arrival. The need for homes and for company premises, as well as how Guiseppe and others are meeting these needs, is explained.

12.50 - 13.30

It is a large investment risk, but Guiseppe sees this as much more likely to succeed, because his own and other companies' profits are at stake. Fiat has created a major development opportunity. It, too, is a private investor, not dependent on Government aid. Guiseppe thinks it is unlikely that Fiat will become another 'cathedral in the desert'.

13.30 - 14.11

Impressive aerial shots of the Fiat car works. Commentary focuses on the impact of Fiat's arrival on the changing social fabric of Basilicata. Guiseppe is optimistic. He explains that Fiat's presence makes the area attractive to other medium-sized businesses.

14.11 - 15.06

Pasquale shares Guiseppe's optimism, and he feels that the attitudes of companies have changed. Fiat's plant is now one of the most productive in Europe.

15.06 - 15.54

Footage and commentary return to the production line to discuss the impact of this project and show how the workforce is preparing for the future. Roberta describes the working conditions.

15.54 - 16.38

Main reasons for the location of the Fiat car plant, and the importance of investment for the future.

16.38 - end

The importance of changing attitudes to the future prosperity of the region. Fiat has had a profound affect on the self-confidence of young workers - even the confidence to consider leaving Fiat in the future to set up their own businesses.

Key words and ideas

• car assembly plants
• manufacturing industry
• regional economic development policy
• Mezzogiorno
• southern Italy
• Fiat's car production policy and sites
• migration from southern Italy