Animation Industry Business Models to Be Discussed at SPIEF 2026

On June 6, the session “Animation Brands 360: Transforming Business Models” will take place at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) as part of the Creative Industries Forum. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Congress Centre, Zone B, 2nd Floor, Conference Hall B4.

The discussion will focus on how the animation business model is evolving today—from content development and production to promotion, distribution, and monetization in both domestic and international markets. Particular attention will be paid to new technologies, international cooperation, the development of animation brands, and the role of the industry in conveying national values, history, and cultural traditions to contemporary children’s audiences.

Over the past decades, Russian animation has developed into a mature industry and established a solid foundation for further growth through consistent government support measures and the development of a sustainable production ecosystem. While there were only 13 animation brands operating in Russia in 2005, by 2025 the industry had grown to encompass 370 companies. Today, the market is entering a new phase of transformation as global conditions change, value chains are reconfigured, and new distribution channels and monetization models emerge.

The session will be moderated by Irina Mastusova, Executive Director of the Russian Animated Film Association.

Speakers will include Gulnara Agamova, CEO of the Creative Industries Agency; Vitaly Stepanov, CEO of the Moscow Export Center; Yulia Nemchina, CEO of the RIKI Group; Yulia Osetinskaya, General Producer of Soyuzmultfilm Film Studio; Albina Mukhametzyanova, CEO and General Producer of YARKO; Vadim Sotskov, CEO and Producer of KinoAtis; Alexey Bogatyrev, Producer, Head of Projects at Voronezh Animation Studio and Director of the Animation School; Tatyana Tsyvareva, Editor-in-Chief of Karusel, Russia’s federal children’s television channel; and Maria Ataeva, Deputy Director for Political Research at the VCIOM Analytical Center.

The session will serve as a platform for discussing strategic issues related to the development of Russian animation, exploring new business models, and assessing the industry’s prospects in a rapidly changing international and technological environment.