SHREVEPORT -

We've all heard stories about people with big-screen-dreams. They pack up, taking everything they own,and drive to Hollywood.

Most don't, and come back home with noting more than an empty wallet and a handful of stories.

That was Katy Peppard. She grew up in Nacogdoches, went to college, then went West.

JOE: "Crazy ride, huh?"
KATY:"Yeah, great ride....crazy."
JOE: "Wouldn't change it for anything ?"
KATY: "Not at all, don't regret one thing."

Katy says she got some work, but nothing major. She says things all changed when she came home for the holidays. She went to workshops, got some extra work, and an agent.

"I can't believe how many projects are going on right now, and i tell people about it and they're like: 'Oh really?' Katy says.

Casting Director Jamie Baremore says people that work in Shreveport get breaks you won't find in "Tinsletown."

"These people are getting opportunities to come in here and audition for speaking part that people in la would give their right arm for," says Baremore.

The rise of the film industry in Shreveport isn't only paying off for the Pearl City, people from East Texas can come to Shreveport and audition for films like "W," Oliver Stone's new flick."

"Especially right now, i mean it's still kinda in the first steps," Katy says. "There's a lot coming, but there's not a lot of people yet."

Katy says it's a pretty big risk...but there's the potential for a pretty big reward too.

....And with gas prices the way they are, driving to Shreveport, instead of Hollywood is a lot easier on the wallet.