The article deals with the use of audio-visual method in foreign language teaching. The author examines the specific features of using video in the classroom, indicates the benefits of using video in teaching process and produces a number of requirements which should meet an audio-visual material used as a teaching appliance. The technology of selection and methodical development of audiovisual material for educational purposes is shown on the material of Russian teaching as well as the way of putting the audiovisual insertion into the lesson structure. The author comes to the conclusion that the inclusion of well worked out (from methodical point of view) audio-visual materials in the teaching process creates natural language speaking environment which contains a certain cultural background and increases the pace of the lesson, its effectiveness and pupil’s motivation to learn the language.