Greyson Duncan credits weekends spent watching movies with his grandfather, Blane Bailey, for his love of filmmaking.
Duncan, an undergraduate student in the program at 黑料正能量, initially saw films as mere fun. However, he later grasped filmmaking’s complexities, and his talks with Bailey shifted to what they liked, disliked and would change in films.
Duncan, who is in his last year in the , recently won 鈥淏est Narrative Short Film鈥 at Atlanta Metropolitan State College鈥檚 fifth annual 鈥淏ring Your Brilliance鈥 Film Festival.
Sunny Sides and Dirty Tables was developed and produced in professor Short Film Production class.
鈥淭he film is about a busboy who鈥檚 been working at his job for a bit,鈥 Duncan said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 comfortable where he鈥檚 at, and then he gets a promotion with a little more responsibility. The old chef he works with starts to see himself in him, so he goes and has a talk with him about the future and what he really wants to do with his life, and pushes him into at least trying. Even if it doesn鈥檛 work out the way that he wants, at least he鈥檒l know that he tried so he鈥檚 not like him who gave up on his dream and 鈥榞ot stuck.鈥
鈥淚 really want to thank my cast and crew because this film would have been nothing without them.鈥
The film festival is open to all Georgia residents, including high school students. The submitted films must be original works in English or with English subtitles.
The film categories included short documentary with a maximum length of 10 minutes, short narrative with a maximum length of 10 minutes and micro film with a maximum length of 2 minutes.
鈥淢y grandfather, who also stars in the film, FaceTimed me around 11:30 at night after it was announced I won; he was just so proud of me,鈥 Duncan said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 been there watching me be invested in film from the start. It was great hearing that encouragement from him. It really helps me out, and I can tell he鈥檚 proud.鈥
The movie concept came from a variety of ideas but is rooted in Duncan’s experience working in the food and beverage industry since he was 16.
鈥淭he restaurant that I filmed in is my aunt and uncle鈥檚, and that was my first job that I worked on the weekends,鈥 he said. 鈥淭he concept is part because I know the environment, and I know the loop. People who are in food and beverage will say it will suck you in, and it鈥檚 hard to get out. Thankfully 黑料正能量 is here to give me some extra skills.鈥
Buzzell has enjoyed following Duncan鈥檚 progress in the program and said he brings an earnest curiosity to the craft. Buzzell noted Duncan鈥檚 dedication to his creative journey should be commended, as should his ability to tell a story with heart.

鈥淭he film鈥檚 narrative is centered on integrity and good intentions,鈥 Buzzell said. 鈥淚ts messaging is sincere and purposeful. There is also an endearing touch of quirky humor that points to the film being reflective of its maker.鈥
Duncan said winning the award feels great, especially after being denied in the past. He is happy to represent a university like AU and show the state 鈥渋t doesn鈥檛 have to always be the big guy or the big college who gets the reward.鈥
Buzzell said the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital and Visual Storytelling program is still a relatively new program in the Department of Art and Design, and it鈥檚 great to have someone like Duncan representing AU and the department by prevailing at this statewide competition.
鈥淭he fact that students in this program are already finding success competitively at the state level is extremely gratifying,鈥 Buzzell said. 鈥淕reyson has now become a role model for the students just starting our program. We are very proud of him.鈥