Comparatively, German animation producers are significantly more successful than the rest of the German production landscape. For example in film: Despite the fact that animations only constituted three percent of German films between 1997–2004, they drew nearly 21 million viewers to garner a market share of almost eleven percent. Unlike live-action productions, German animated films and co-productions also enjoy success beyond German borders. Nearly 40 million moviegoers across Europe watched German animated films in recent years. This popularity is also echoed on the German and European television markets.

The VdAP (Association of German Animation Producers) aims to lend the German animation industry a voice which is heard in the world of politics, by various partners in the production process and by the public at large, because the interests of the animation industry are not identical to those of live-action producers. For instance, animation projects incur significantly higher production costs, so the majority of animations are produced as international co-productions. This makes bilateral co-production agreements considerably more important to the animation industry than they are to small and medium-sized television producers.

The VdAP represents member animation industry and member interests, also vis-à-vis clients, film funding agencies, television broadcasters, distributors and other sales and marketing agents.

Internationally, VdAP promotes Germany as a prime location for animated productions and cooperates with other national producer associations and interest groups for the mutual benefit of all concerned.

Finally, the VdAP is involved in education and further training and in fostering new talent.

In its role as representative of the interests of German animation, the VdAP will speak for more than just film and TV producers. Mid-term intentions include other content providers, games developers and 3D graphics companies. In addition, the VdAP is open to individuals such as authors, directors and animators.