Over the past 15 years Ken Strong has been a media focal point regarding his endeavors as an illusionist, actor, vocalist and career emergency responder. But it may be his latest venture that has garnered him the most attention.

For over a decade, Strong, of North Webster, carried with himself a story that burned deep inside of him. It was a story of first true love and a love so deep it would literally affect how he viewed relationships. It was also his own very personal story.

Ken Strong, author of “My Elusive Mychele”

In late 2010, Strong finally let his powerfully honest memoir pour out into a personal narrative. “I shared the little elements of our story together … and I also shared how amazing that first true love was to me,” said Strong. “I never planned on sharing the full story of ‘My Elusive Mychele.’ In fact when I started to write it down I wrote it just for her … she left a lasting impression on me.”

“My Elusive Mychele” is an emotionally driven tale of first love that asks the question, “If it is ‘true’ love and if that person is your ‘soul-mate,’ then is it possible to move on and to find that kind of love ever again?”

Strong explained, “Our relationship itself lasted less than a year … but it was the passion in the relationship and it was was that feeling of love for the very first time.”

I was honored to sit down and interview Strong about his book, which is now being turned into a movie. The video clip above is just one segment of our interview about the book, “My Elusive Mychele.”

In recounting the story of Strong and his first love, Mychele, the author told that the book came together with Mychele’s help. “It’s amazing how in sync our memories were.” In fact, Strong said Mychele herself told him she even thought of writing a book about their relationship, so collaborating for Strong’s memoir came very easily for the two, who worked together via Facebook.

“My Elusive Mychele” was never intended for public eyes but, with the encouragement of the few who had read it, Ken posted the memoir as a note on his Facebook page. From there the story took on a life of its own, leading to a publishing opportunity and now, a movie project.

And for the movie, Strong is now casting “extras” for a number of film locations and days throughout the summer. The first filming date is Friday, June 14, at Warsaw Community High School in the Performing Arts Center. Between 15 and 25 extras are needed from 3:15 p.m. until 5 p.m. Attire should be suitable for a high school graduation.

Other filming dates, times and locations are as follows:

• Tuesday, June 25, 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. at Lance’s New Market Grocery Store in North Webster. Six to 10 individuals in casual attire are needed.
• Wednesday, June 26, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the festival grounds on opening day of the North Webster Mermaid Festival. Crowd shots will be filmed near the stage area around 1 p.m.
• Monday, July 1, 9:30 a.m. to noon at Canlan Ice Rinks in Fort Wayne. From 40 to 60 people are needed. Dress is casual but warm attire is recommended. Bring your own skates or rental skates for free. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

All background actresses and actors must complete a video consent form and liability waiver before filming (with the exception of the North Webster Mermaid Festival shoot.

Anyone interested and available in working as an extra in the making of the movie “My Elusive Mychele, should email [email protected]. More information is available online HERE.

Strong has been asked many times if, after nearly 16 years, he has been able to let go of his first love and move on. To that he answered, “Letting go of Mychele as a person is different than not letting go of that expectation of a future relationship. That’s what I’m not willing to let go of.”

The complete interview with Strong can be seen via his YouTube channel.