More Than Half of Russia’s Animation Professionals Work in Moscow

More than 3,000 professionals are employed by animation companies in Moscow, accounting for 57% of the entire Russian animation workforce, according to Gulnara Agamova, Head of the Moscow Creative Industries Agency (ACI).

“Moscow is home not only to a significant share of the country’s animation studios but also to more than half of the industry’s workforce. At the same time, the sector continues to grow rapidly, and companies are actively recruiting new talent. The Moscow animation industry currently needs more than 1,000 additional specialists,” Agamova said during a press conference dedicated to the development of animation.

The most in-demand professionals include animators, artists, screenwriters, directors, producers, 3D graphics specialists, visual effects artists, voice production specialists, and technical production support staff.

According to the Agency, the industry’s expansion is creating opportunities for graduates of creative and technical educational institutions, as well as professionals transitioning from related sectors such as video games, film, design, information technology, and digital production.

Modern animation increasingly requires a combination of artistic and technological expertise. In addition to traditional skills in drawing, directing, and screenwriting, studios are seeking professionals experienced in 3D graphics, game engines, motion capture, virtual production, and artificial intelligence tools.

To strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline, the Moscow Video Game and Animation Cluster is developing an educational ecosystem that enables companies to collaborate with universities, continuing education institutions, and young professionals. Education has been integrated into the cluster alongside its production and technological infrastructure.

The cluster currently hosts nine resident animation studios, which are developing dozens of projects, building production teams, and sharing advanced facilities for content creation.

Its infrastructure includes motion capture, sound recording, and photogrammetry studios, screening and post-production facilities, office space, lecture halls, and venues for educational and industry events. This integrated model combines education, production, and professional knowledge sharing within a single environment.

“For Moscow, the demand for animation professionals reflects the industry’s continued growth. This is not a shrinking market but an expanding sector that requires more highly qualified specialists. That is why it is essential to expand educational programs and demonstrate to young people that animation is a promising, technology-driven profession,” Agamova added.

According to the Agency, 42 of Russia’s 60 animation studios are based in Moscow. They produce 71% of all Russian animated content, generating 6,900 of the country’s 9,700 minutes of animation annually.

The Moscow Video Game and Animation Cluster is a full-cycle ecosystem for the development of video game and animation content. Opened in November 2025, the cluster covers 55,000 square meters and features a data center, motion capture studio, sound recording studio, photogrammetry studio, high-resolution screening cinema, educational lecture facilities, an esports arena, and recreational spaces. Resident companies are eligible for Skolkovo Foundation tax incentives, receive support in promoting their products internationally, and have access to specialized infrastructure, acceleration programs, and educational initiatives.

The project is implemented by the Moscow Creative Industries Agency, operating under the Moscow Department of Culture as the city’s creative industries development institution. Its mission is to create favorable conditions for the growth of sectors including film, fashion, design, contemporary art, video games, publishing, and other creative industries, while supporting their international expansion and strengthening Moscow’s position as a global creative industries hub.