With a young and dynamic team, Wake Up is now a well-established presence in the Italian entertainment and animation scene. But what is the secret behind its success? We asked Vincenzo Maio, who, in this in-depth interview, shared his story with us. A story that touches the heart because it speaks of fragility transformed into strength, of dreams that seemed impossible but became reality, showing that the greatest challenges can become the springboard for the most beautiful achievements.
by Roberta Imbimbo
Vincenzo, how did the idea of founding Wake Up Animation and Entertainment come about?
Wake Up was born in Roccarainola (NA) in 2016 from a dream—my dream—to bring energy and added value wherever entertainment takes place. We started with animation in holiday villages, but soon realized that our skills could go much further. Today we manage events at 360 degrees: from live shows to family entertainment, from corporate event management to social events. Our strength? Adaptability. Every event is different, and we treat each as unique, tailoring it with our enthusiasm and experience.
How do you create a memorable event today, in an era where entertainment is everywhere?
Today you need to surprise, engage, but also listen. An event works when it creates genuine emotions. That’s why we focus on every detail: music, lighting, hosting, timing. Wake Up doesn’t just offer “animation,” but experiences that stay in the hearts of those who live them. We like to say that we don’t “organize” events—we live them together with our clients.
Wake Up today produces shows of great importance, even for well-known brands and large audiences. How do you handle the responsibility of managing events of this scale?
Handling high-profile events is a challenge that excites us and motivates us to always give our best. It means raising the bar in terms of quality, precision, and creativity. Every detail is carefully studied: from artistic planning to logistics, from choosing performers to technical direction. Collaborating with important brands or on big stages also requires strong listening skills and the ability to adapt to client needs without ever losing our identity. It’s a responsibility, of course, but also a great opportunity to show that entertainment can be professional, elegant, and engaging at the same time.
What role does the social aspect play in your work?
A very important one. We have participated in numerous social initiatives, collaborating with associations, foundations, and schools. We believe that entertainment should also raise awareness, unite people, and give back to the community. Bringing a smile to a vulnerable context is just as valuable as a show that receives a standing ovation.
What is your main strength compared to the competition?
One of our distinctive elements is how I chose to run the business: by putting people at the center. I don’t treat my collaborators as mere employees, but as resources to be valued, listened to, and nurtured. For me, it’s essential to create solid relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual esteem. The Wake Up team is mostly composed of young talents, motivated, full of ideas, and eager to take on challenges. And it’s this collective energy that makes the agency’s shows and events alive, authentic, and capable of leaving an indelible mark. Wake Up is much more than an animation and entertainment agency: it’s a creative energy engine capable of giving voice to every type of event, big or small.
Is there something in your personal experience that made you believe so much in people’s potential?
Yes, absolutely. As a child, I stuttered. Every word was a climb, every sentence an obstacle. At school, I was an easy target, mocked, excluded. I still remember the fear of reading aloud, the weight of others’ eyes. For years, I lived with the feeling of not being good enough. But inside me, there was something that, despite everything, never went out: the desire to succeed. I worked hard on myself, with effort, with pain, but also with determination. And I made it! Today I step on stage in front of hundreds of people, host events, entertain, create shows. And I do it with the voice that once trembled, but now is my strongest instrument. No one would have believed it, maybe not even me. And that’s exactly why, in my work, I choose to believe in people—even when they seem fragile. Because often, true talent is hidden in fragility.
So, what advice do you give to young people who want to pursue the same career?
To young people, I want to say something simple but powerful: always believe in yourselves. Even when you feel inadequate, even when people tell you that you won’t make it. Don’t let your fragilities define you; make them your starting point. Falls are part of the journey, but the strength to get up is already within you. The world needs people who don’t give up. I hope my story can teach that talent isn’t just what is seen on stage, but also the silent courage of those who fight every day without expecting applause; the unshakeable will of those who walk against the wind, quietly. So have the courage to dare, to try, to shout your truth. Every voice deserves to be heard, every dream deserves a stage.
And if even just one person, reading these words, chooses to believe a little more in themselves… then that small courage has already made noise, and the most beautiful show has already begun.
For more info: wakeupanimazione@gmail.com | www.wakeupanimazione.it
