NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
It has been a long, bumpy ride for a Nashville transplant hoping for his shot on the big screen of Hollywood. But after hard work and lots of determination, it's finally happening.
Johnny Dowers' talents include singing, songwriting and acting.
However, that skill set doesn't guarantee that you'll get the chance to show your stuff off for a large audience.
After persevering for more than decade, he finally produced a film that he wrote and stars in.
Downers' new movie titled Pickin' and Grinnin' is the silly story of two lovable loser country singing brothers, Milo and JohnnyJake Johnson, looking for a big break in the entertainment business.
The brothers take a cross-country road trip to Nashville for a shot at stardom in a reality show.
"This film could be the thing that gets me into a place where I can do this all the time," said Dowers.
Channel 4 first met Dowers 11 years ago on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium after winning a national talent show, which earned him a shot to star in his first commercial.
He left Nashville and spent 10 years in Los Angeles trying to make something happen.
"We wouldn't take no for an answer and made a film, so for me it's a dream come true," said Dowers.
Pickin' and Grinnin' is a comedy rated R and will be shown at the Carmike Thoroughbred in Franklin on Friday night.
It won awards at the L.A. International Film Fest and much of the film was shot along Route 66.
Copyright 2012 WSMV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
