Born in 1981, Manolis Vitsaxakis lives and works in Athens. He trained as an engineer at Thessaloniki Technological Educational Institute and studied cinematography at the IEK AKMI (Athens).

Since 2004, he has held various positions in Film Production (steadicam assistant-cinematographer-camera operator-camera assistant-gaffer-grip-production assistant, special effects), Advertising (steadicam assistant-production assistant), Theater (stage technician-rigger-lighting technician-lighting designer-technical director), Set construction, Special Lights construction, pieces of ART implementation.

Since 2011, he has been working with various dance and theater companies (some of them are Dimitris Papaioannou company, Polyplanity, RootlessRoot, Amorphy) as technical director, developing, adapting and organizing new show productions and world tours.

As these companies’ technical director, he has been in charge of an intense touring program involving more that 100 venues around the world. This collaboration, leading him to direct technical teams in very different countries, has enabled him to develop an unrivaled ability to adapt and find solutions.

Work Experience:

Technical and Production Directing:

-Technical Director for Dimitris’s Papaioannou during the exploration of the future installation projects -2024-2025

-Technical Director for Dimitris’s Papaioannou tour of the Video Installation "INSIDE" - Hong Kong December 2024

-Technical and Production Director of Aegean Film Festival 2024

-Technical Director of Dimitris’s Papaioannou Company since 2016 until June 2024:

>Technical Solutions and Advise, Production Management, Set Construction, Special Lights Construction during New Creation 2020 and 2022 – INK

>Performance “INK” – On Tour – Production Support – Torino and Reggio Emillia on 2020 – Athens/Milano/Rome/Montreal/Budapest/Seoul/Amsterdam/Barcelona/Lyon/Taipei/Antwerp/Berlin/Hong Kong/Sevilla/Madrid/Porto on 2023 – Kyoto/London/Athens/Paris on 2024

-Technical and Production Director of Aegean Film Festival 2023 in Serifos

> Technical Solutions and Advise, Production Management during New Creation 2021 – Transverse Orientation

>Performance “Transverse Orientation” – On Tour – Athens/Lyon/Prague/Amsterdam/Montpelie /Barcelona/Paris/Naples/Torino/Reggio Emilia/Plovdiv/London/Nicosia/ Martigue/Madrid/Porto/ Lisbon/Rome/Clermont Ferrant/Antwerp/Vilnius/Dresden/Geneve/Tel Aviv/Ottawa/Tokyo/Kyoto/ Singapore/Guanajuato/New York/Stanford

>New Rehearsal Studio interior Reconstructing – Technical Design and Supervision

>Technical Solutions and Advise, Production Management during New Creation 2017 - The Great Tamer

>Performance “The Great Tamer” – On Tour – Netherlands-Amsterdam/Italy-Naples/Spain-Barcelona-Madrid/France-Avignon-Paris/Korea-Seoul/Switzerland-Basel-Geneva-Lugano/Sweden-Stockholm/Taiwan-Taipei/Russia-Moscow/Portugal-Lisbon-Porto/Serbia-Belgrade/Luxembourg/Italy-Torino/Bulgaria-Plovdiv/Germany-Dresden-Ludwigshafen/U.K.-London/Belgium-Antwerp/U.S.A-Los Angeles-Ann Arbor/Canada-Montreal/Australia-Perth/France-Pontoise-Aix En Provence-Lyon

>Performance “Still Life” - On Tour - Chile-Santiago/Cyprus-Limassol/Belgium-Antwerp/Portugal-Braga/Brasil-Sao Paolo/Serbia-Belgrade/France-Montpellier/Singapore/France-Rennes/Spain-Seville/Australia-Sydney

>Performance “Primal Matter” - On Tour - Austria-Wien/Italy-Ravello/UK-London

>Video Installation "INSIDE" - On Tour – France-Montpellier/Italy-Ravello/Italy-Lucca/Athens

-Technical Director of the performance "Dr. Maybe Darling" company AMORPHY – Tzeni Argyriou for the presentation in Hungary April 2019

-Technical Director at the International Film Festival of Patmos (2015)

-Technical Director of the performance "W-memorabilia" company "Rootlessroot" in performances in Europe(Greece-Slovakia-Austria-Spain-Czech Republic-Poland-Netherlands-Romania-Cyprus-Germany)(2013-2014-2015)

-Technical Director of the theatrical play "Iliad" of Stathis Livathinos in performances in Europe(Greece-Netherlands-Spain-Romania) and South America(Chile)(2013-2014)

-Technical Director at the International Film Festival of Patmos (2013)

-Technical Director of the performance "Kireru" company "Rootlessroot" in performances in Europe(Greece-Italy-Slovakia-Switzerland)(since 2012)

-Technical Director of the performance “Eyes in the colors of the Rain”, company "Rootlessroot" on tour in Europe(Greece-Slovenia-Italy-England-France-Netherlands-Finland-Slovakia-Czech Republic-Poland-Sweden-Switzerland-Belgium-Germany) (since 2011)

-Technical Manager responsible for Aerial Acrobatics,stage technician in the performance “Landscape and Place” opening the “Anakatosaria” fest 28/02/09

Constructions - Lights and Set Technician:

-Construction of a retractable table for "Monsier Didot" hotel in Athens

-Construction of Oval Led lights for GLO shooting (https://www.instagram.com/p/C-DcR3ws_i0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==)

-Installation of  LED stripe in a special made shelving unit for the Pop Up store of SCENT+ 

-Construction of special dimensions tables/offices for SocialDOO (https://www.instagram.com/p/C66yxSXs1oG/?img_index=1)

-Technical support, constructions and set up of the KARAVAN Clothing Shop window (https://www.instagram.com/p/C56ZEhSrVRb/)

-Construction of the set for the video of KARAVAN Clothing reel (https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyA65wgos-c/)

-Lighting of SCENT+ exhibition stand in HORECA 2023 

-Construction of special lights, also using Dimmable Led tubes, for the theatrical play "ΣΤΡΑΚΑΣΤΡΟΥΚΕΣ" (10.2023)

-Construction of special lights for the theatrical play "Τα Κλειδια - για μια δυνατή ζωή" (https://nkt.gr/plays/ta-kleidia-gia-mia-dynath-zwh/) (09.2023)

-Technical solutions, management and assembly of "The mornings grow silent", moving sculptures from Malvina Panagiotidi (07.2023)

-Technical design and Construction of the Visual Art Piece “FILO”, a sculpture made from copper tubes, exhibited in Ioannina during “PLASMATA II” (2023)

-Construction of the Set for the performance INK of Dimitris Papaioannou (2022)

-Construction of some parts of the Set for the performance Transverse Orientation of Dimitris Papaioannou (2020)

-Stage Engineer of the performance “Still Life” of Dimitris Papaioannou on Tour (2015)

-Set Construction of the Theatrical Play “Hamlet” from the company “Little Things Orchestra“ (2014)

-Set and Main-Light construction of the performance "W-memorabilia" company "Rootlessroot" (2013-2014)

-Lights Technician in “The Foundation of the Hellenic World” (2013)

-Lights technician in the parallel events of “Doha Tribeca Film Festival” in Qatar (2012)

-Rigging acrobatics in the show "Hainides - Mode Plagal – Ki Omos Kineitai" at Fuzz, (16/12/2011)

-Follow Spot operator in the performance “Heaven” of the Dance Company "Ki omos Kineitai" in the Foundation Michalis Cacoyannis, November 2010-February 2011

-Design, rigging and supporting on stage mechanisms of the performance "Dr Maybe Darling"  by Jenny Argyriou, 2010

-Technical support to the performance Azif from the Dance Company "Ki omos Kineitai" (seting up support for aerial acrobatics, stage manager, electrician, rigger, and audio desk operator) (2009)

-Rigger in Athens and Epidaurus Festival (2009)

-Technical assistance in the performance” Arriba II” by the Dance Company  "Ki omos Kineitai" (seting up support for aerial acrobatics, stage manager, electrician, rigger, lighting desk operator) (2008)

Cinema:

-imdb link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4204787/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cr3

-Cinematographer in the short film “Holy”,one of the films that constitute “Life in the Borderlands-Portrait of Patmos” (2013  - https://vimeo.com/95313206 the 3rd film in that starts at 30:00 – or https://vimeo.com/1057426431 for only the film Holy)

-Cinematographer in the Short Film “Home”, Directed by Elli Petropoulou (November 2012 - https://vimeo.com/140280438?share=copy pass HOME-short)

-Steadicam Assistant to Michael Tsimperopoulos since October 2010 

to Advertisment videos, Documentary (where undertaken also focus) and films:

-1st Assistant Camera, Focus Puller, Loader in the movie "Runaway Day", 16mm Film

Cinematographer: Dimitris Fotou, Directed by Dimitris Bavelas (for one week)

-Key Grip in Video Clip "Lola" of Kostis Maraveyas, Cinematographer: George Karvelas

-Key Grip in the short film "The Push", 

Cinematographer: George Karvelas, Directed by Daphne Lambrinou

-Production manager, assistant electrician,grip assistant, camera assistant in the film “Jerks”

Cinematographer Thodoris Michopoulos, Directed by Stelios Kammitsis, August 2010

-Electrician assistant in the movie "Man in the Sea", Directed by Constantinos Giannaris June 2010

-Steady Cam Assistant with Jason Mouselimis (2007)

Lighting Design:

-Lighting design, light construction, set construction in the performance "W-memorabilia" company "Rootlessroot" (2013-2014)

Lighting design adaptation to duet of the performance ''Eyes in the Color of the Rain'' company ''Rootlessroot'' (2013)

-Lighting design, production, technical design and implementation in the performance "Dream Fight", of Sylvia Katsarou, presented at “La Nada”, Athens (2012)

-Lighting design, rigging acrobatics in the show "Hainides - Mode Plagal - And yet it moves" at Fuzz, (16/12/2011)

-Lighting design, production, technical design and implementation, assistant choreographer in the performance "The Werewolf of Petralona", of Sylvia Katsrou, presented at “La Nada” , Athens (2011)

-Lighting design, rigging acrobatics in the performance “Towards Paradise”, by the Dance Company "Ki omos Kineitai" in Thessaloniki (2011)

-Lighting design, lighting desk operator, electrician, in the performance "Hors Corps" by Olia Lidaki (2010)

-Lighting design, production, technical design and implementation, assistant choreographer in the play "The Werewolf of Petralona" 1st International Street Theatre Festival, Athens 2009

Production:

-Production Manager in "UNSHADED" Productions - November 2024 - Photo and Video Shooting

 -Timberland - Photographer/Creative Dir.: Vincenzo Scioppa / Video Dir.:Gianluca Grandinetti 

-Production Manager in "The Curated" Productions - November 2024 - Photo and Video Shooting - Hogan - Photographer: Amit Israeli / Director: Robert Nethery 

-Production Assistant in "The Curated" Productions - October 2024 - Photo and Video Shooting - ZARA - Photographer: Clement Pascal / Video: Pino Sartorio

-Production Assistant with Antonin Lemoine in Unshaded production company (Aug-2024) -  High Snobiety / DIVISION / Reebok https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/the-messenger-by-reebok-ltd-x-highsnobiety/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaBKsyJFo0Rw8pdkVFBLb3byeyOTAvc3c-azWvecOx_Gsgi8Bllju1sN_w_aem_rOIkAY2jMViuuxIoSlvcOQ

-Production Assistant with Jiannis Karachalios in Parasol production company (2015)

-Production Assistant with Fotis  Thomas and Andreas Seferlis in Stefi production company (2015)

-Assistant Production Manager  in Aegeanscapes with Babis Tsoutsas (February 2013)

-Assistant Production Manager  in Aegeanscapes with Babis Tsoutsas (August 2011)

-Assistant Production Manager in Aegeanscapes with Babis Tsoutsas (November 2010)

-Production Assistant in the film "Man in the Sea",Directed by Constantinos Giannaris June 2010

- Assistant Production Manager in Aegeanscapes with Babis Tsoutsas (September 2009-March 2010)

-Production Assistant with Paris Karagiorgos and Vassilis Rafail in Stefi production company (since 2008).

Special Effects (securing people in height, rigging, acrobatics):

-Special Effects (gallows) in the short film of Chouliaras Christos (2011)

-Special Effects (rigging & traininng performers) for the needs of the performpance “Habemus Papam, Walter” by the Company "Nova Melancholia" at Athens Festival (2009)

-Special Effects in the film "The Evil 2" Directed by George Nousias, together with Camilo Bentancor.

-Special Effects in Video Clip of Sakis Rouvas "Irthes (You Came)", together with Camilo Bentancor.

Engineering:

-Engineer ,Part-time in the motorcycle workshop ,"MotoMichaniki" of Dimitris Moutsopoulos in Galaţsi (October 2007 – April 2008)

-Hourly paid professor at the 2nd technical high shcool of Argyroupolis (4/11/2005 to 30/6/2006)

-Seasonal employment (summer) in vehicles workshop "Papadogiorgakis" in Neos Kosmos

Miscellaneous:

-Electrical Installation, Water Supply and Sewerage for a two storey house in Kea.

-Bartender in Anesis theatre (November 2006-April 2007 & October 2005-April 2006)

Performing Arts

Seminars-Workshops

-Buto with Sylvia Katsarou, Olia Lydaki and Mateusz Iwulski (2010)

-Buto with Carlotta Ikeda (2009)

-Tragic acoustic mask with Giorgos Zamboulakis (2009)

-Acrobatics and acrobatic dance with Camilo Bentancor and Christina Sougioultzi (2004-2009)

-Contemporary Dance with dancers of company Sine Qua Non (2004-2009)

Performances

participation as a dancer

-October 2009 “The Werewolf of Petralona", of Sylvia Katsrou, Athens 

-July 2009 “ODOROUS” , of Olia Lydaki, Athens Biennale 2009

-June 2009 “The nightningale of the Emperor” of Nena Papageorgiou, Athens

-November 2008 participation in the movie “WANTED”, Indian Production, Rhodes Island

-Summer 2008 “Arriba II”, company 'And Yet It Moves', tour

-May 2008 “I am or I am not”, company 'Transito', Athens

-January 2008 participation in the movie “TASHAN”, Indian Production, Milos Island 

-June 2007 “Bolero”, of Nena Papageorgiou, Athens

Other diplomas-Knowledge: Climbing, Sailing, Horse Riding, Off-Road Driving