Fall — 2005

Roger Viloria

Academy of Entertainment & Technology

“You know what? The thing that most amazes me about the Academy is the price. You can’t find this kind of quality anywhere for what we pay.”

When finally reached, Roger Viloria was on his cellphone somewhere in Florida, and feeling guilty about enjoying some days on the beach. His ‘guilt’ arose because he was thinking about all he had to do back at SMC’s Academy of Entertainment & Technology. “Yeah, I’m down here visiting with family. And it’s a big family!” says Roger. “We come from all over the world; Venezuela, Spain, etc. But I feel a little bad because I have so much to do now at SMC.” For Roger, the study of animation has completely taken over his life.

“The reason that I came to the Academy is because I’d been studying with Steve Brown, who also teaches at the American Animation Institute in Studio City. And he told me to check out SMC. And since I came here,” says Roger, “I’ve had a lot of work, and nothing but great teachers. And I mean, all of them!” Roger’s talent began to manifest itself when he was a mere five years old. “I started drawing on the walls and my mom was delighted with it… except when she had to scrub it off!” he says with a laugh. But he also recalls that his earliest ‘teacher’ was the man who pioneered the world of imagination that Roger so fervently plans on joining.

“I have always wanted to follow in the footsteps of Walt Disney, because that’s what I want to do: create films for kids, so they can enjoy the same atmosphere I had when I was growing up. I mean, I always felt surrounded by magical Disney stories.” Roger says that animation “has the power to teach you very important lessons about life. And maybe I can even make some good money with it. But being rich isn’t my goal,” he says. “Money doesn’t mean anything unless you feel rich inside.”

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