Rick Gunn/Nevada Appeal Rovanna Froelich-Maire, center, takes a break Saturday from the filming of the Purple Motion Pictures production of "Spirits of the Road," which was being filmed at Comma Coffee on Carson Street. The pilot is expected to be completed in several weeks.
It's the story of her own life.
A film crew at the Comma Coffee worked Saturday to capture the true story of Rovanna Froelich-Maire, an area resident hoping to find success through her acoustic guitar and voice.
"I think it's the right time, and I'm ready to go for it," Froelich-Maire said.
The 38-year-old is a major character in a TV pilot called "Spirits of the Road," about two women, one working to make it in music, and the other, played by Melanie Aubert, searching for her daughter.
"It's part of the reality-TV thing, really," said scriptwriter James Mallon. "It's about these two women being moved by each other. While some strong female characters are very angry, Rovanna is self-willed and self-motivated. Mel plays that other part."
The TV pilot gives Froelich-Maire the opportunity to perform her music.
She has written several songs and performed in the music business part time for more than 20 years.
"I've wanted to do this since before I can remember," she said. "I remember before I left Carson High that people said I would be the next Pat Benatar."
The 12-show series follows the two women as they travel from California to New York along Highway 50.
Froelich-Maire grew up in Carson City and has worked for the Office of Secretary of State for the past eight years.
She performed several of her songs for the pilot, including, "These Days," "Save Me" and "Wasn't Meant to Be."
"I've had a pretty hard life," she said. "If I can touch someone with my music and make them feel they're not alone, then it hasn't all been for nothing."
Froelich-Maire's parents, Ed and Angela Froelich, and two of her four children were at the filming Saturday.
"I'm pretty excited," her mother said. "It's always been her desire to be in music. It seems to be her time now."
Froelich-Maire said she always wanted to pursue a music career, but her goals changed when her family took top priority. Her children are Vanae, 19; Robbie, 17; David, 13; and James, 8. Vanae and David were at the filming.
"It's pretty cool that she's actually able to do her music," said David. "They've done a lot of shooting and stuff for the pilot and so far, it's pretty cool."
Purple Motion Pictures Director Jeff Piccinini, who came up with the idea for the pilot, started the filming in Petaluma, Calif., about six weeks ago.
Froelich-Maire suggested some scenes be filmed in Carson City since it is along Highway 50. With no input from her, the filming company decided on Comma Coffee.
"It's awesome," said owner June Joplin. "I didn't hesitate when they asked."
She plays a small part in the pilot, exclaiming to Froelich-Maire as she enters the coffee house, "Look what the cat dragged in!"
The TV series ends with Froelich-Maire opening for Joan Jett and The Blackhearts in New York. Filming will be complete in several weeks.
"We don't know what's going to happen (in the long run)," Angela Froelich said. "It's hard to imagine."
n Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.
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