By The Paper staff
A “Notice of Filming” was posted at the entrance of the historic 13-24 Drive-in on the warm summer night of July 26, 2013.
Guests arrived to see the movie “Despicable Me 2” on the big screen, but a few lucky attendees became part of the background for a scene being shot for a feature film. A small crew of film, lighting, and production staff took over a small area near the concession building where they filmed a short scene for the independent film, “My Elusive Mychele.” The brief, but comical, scene filmed at the Wabash location features actors Ken Strong and Kristin Quick as they enjoy a romantic night at the drive-in.
The film premiered to a private audience in Warsaw, in April of 2014. It has been off to film festivals since and has recently been released for public distribution via Square Market and for digital download on Amazon Movies. Additional information may be found at www.KSPcinematic.com
The lead actress in the film, Kristin Quick, is a Warsaw High School graduate and was 18 years old at the time of filming.
“Playing Michele was an adventure like I had never experienced before,” Quick said. “When I read the novel, before being asked to play the part, I remember admiring Michele for her sweet character and ability to make the reader fall in love with her. I was nervous at first that I would not be able to live up to her character, but working with Ken Strong and receiving his first hand advice made the role really come together.
“I realized that Michele’s character was that of a relatable, all- American sweetheart, and it would do her the best honor if I just acted natural and in the moment. Filming for the summer was an experience that I will share with my children one day and gave me so much appreciation for the film industry.”
“My Elusive Mychele” is an emotionally driven tale of first love and is based on the true story by writer, producer, and director Ken Strong.
In 2010 Strong released the paperback memoir by the same name, which became available for worldwide distribution after finding an emotional connection with readers via his personal social media page. The memoir began as a simple note, developed into a published memoir, then came full circle when the film was shot in 2013.
Most of the film was shot in Northern Indiana, primarily in the Kosciusko County towns of North Webster, Syracuse, and Warsaw. Scenes were also filmed in Fort Wayne, Huntington, Plainfield, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati. Strong was born in Indianapolis, where the story takes place, and has lived in Northern Indiana for the past 21 years.
“I can’t imagine filming this movie anywhere else”, Strong said. “I feel that the natural backgrounds of Northern Indiana bring a beautiful and wholesome setting to this very personal film.”
Many local actors and actresses had the opportunity to serve as background “extras” on some of the 54 locations used for the film. “My Elusive Mychele” was filmed over an eight-month period, with it’s lead actors taking on the extreme challenge of aging a 15 year period through the film.
American Christian music artist Warren Barfield, produced the films emotionally powerful soundtrack. Postproduction of the film took place at the KSP Cinematic Studios in Warsaw. The production company focuses on life story filmmaking and aerial cinematography.