One of the main trends in the development of the Russiananimation industry is the intensification of international cooperation andpromotion on international media markets. Russian animators are developingdifferent forms of international cooperation and co-production in the contextof the economic crisis, financing problems, lack of second-tier personnel andproduction capacities, as well as national distribution problems. In the situationof a weakening relationship with European partners, there is an increase incooperation with Asian companies.The leading role is given to cooperation with China, due to the policiespursued by the two countries and close cultural interaction supported at theintergovernmental level. Russian companies are moving from outsourcing infilm production to other forms of interaction, such as co-financing of projectsand co-production. The essay analyzes the co-production experience ofsuch leaders of the Russian animation industry as Riki, KinoAtis and WizartAnimation.Co-production with foreign companies involves a number of problemscaused by cultural, mental, legal and organizational differences. Still, itcombines financial efforts and consolidates technical capabilities, raising thequality of films to the world level. Co-production also stimulates internationaldistribution and reduces financial risks, opens up opportunities to conquer newmarkets and overcome the systems of quotes that exist in some countries. In theRussian animation industry, the number of co-produced films demonstrates atendency to increase. The development of various forms of interaction betweenthe Russian animation business and foreign partners and the presentation of co-produced films on international media markets contributes to the formation ofRussia’s positive image and promotes its national interests, lifestyle and culture,affirming animation’s long-standing status of a soft power asset.