Russia and China to Produce First Ever Joint Animation TV Series

Russia's Riki, the producer of animation franchise 'Kikoriki,' and China's CCTV team up to make 'Krosh and Panda.'

Producers of the Russian animation franchise Kikoriki are teaming up with China’s CCTV Animation to produce the first ever Russian-Chinese animation series.

Krosh and Panda, a children's animated series with two main characters, a panda and a rabbit, will become the first project implemented under a recent intergovernmental agreement on film production between Russia and China, Riki, the production company for Kikoriki, said in a press release.

"The project aims to combine the most popular animated characters amongst children and family audiences in Russia and China and can become a symbol of development and strengthening of collaboration in art and culture between the two countries, also attracting interest of wide viewership both in Russia and China," the company added.

Under a signed agreement, Riki and CCTV Animation plan to produce 12 52-minute episodes of Krosh and Panda in 3D CGI format over the next 18 months. All work on the project will be implemented jointly by the Russian and Chinese sides.

Launched in 2003, the Kikoriki franchise, known in Russia as Smeshariki, has been adapted in half a dozen countries, including the U.S., Germany and the U.K.

In September 2016, Los Angeles-based Shout! Factory picked up North American distribution rights to the franchise.