Explore Unconventional Methods of Storytelling with Author and Filmmaker Paul Mayor Fernandez

Anaheim University invites students, alumni, and faculty to “Unconventional Methods of Story-Telling,” an online conversation with Paul Mayor Fernandez, Anaheim University MFA graduate, Army Ranger and author of A Lake Effect, on Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Hosted by Anaheim University’s Akira Kurosawa School of Film, the session will explore creative approaches to developing stories across documentary, fiction, and screenwriting. Drawing on his own experiences, Fernandez will discuss how unexpected methods can help filmmakers shape their material and discover new narrative possibilities.

Among the approaches he will explore is structuring a documentary as though it were a fictional narrative—a technique he found particularly useful for organizing footage and guiding the editing process. The conversation will also consider improvisation between planned story beats, allowing actors to help shape how a scene unfolds while maintaining the story’s overall direction.

Fernandez will share how he developed his novel by working backward from the convergence of four characters’ story arcs to construct a braided narrative. He will also discuss his interest in exploring AI as a tool for adapting the novel into a screenplay.

With particular relevance to MFA students and emerging filmmakers, this interactive session offers an opportunity to consider different ways of crafting stories, exchange ideas, and ask questions about the creative process.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday, December 13, 2026
• Time: 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time
• Location: Online via Zoom
• Hosted by: Anaheim University MFA Filmmaking

Join us for a conversation about moving beyond familiar storytelling conventions and finding new ways to bring a story to life.

Click here to register