Tifton native to showcase her movie April 3 at Tift Theatre

By Angie Thompson, Senior Reporter

TIFTON — The Tift Theatre will showcase a screening of a feature movie produced by Melinda Bateman, a Tifton native, at 7 p.m. April 3. Bateman also acts in the movie, “The Enemy and The Victim.”

Bateman, owner of Bait Man Films, is the daughter of Frances Burroughs Bateman and James Bateman.

Her siblings are Barabbas and Patrice Bateman. She graduated from Tift County High School where she was actively involved in JROTC. Her involvement in the organization led her to join the U.S. Air Force when she graduated from high school.

She said she also grew to enjoy drama when she was a student under Larry Bussey, who taught the subject at TCHS. While in the Air Force, she was named Information Manager of the Year.

Once her stint with the Air Force was over, Bateman went on to complete her B.A. at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she majored in film production. She said that she was influenced there by professors such as Oscar-winning sound mixer Russell Williams. After graduation, Bateman returned to her military training, and worked as a PKI security engineer consultant for the state department as she began her production company.

Bateman minored in acting in college and auditioned for the play “Missing Pieces” and was awarded a part in it. The producer of the play recommended Bateman start producing films.

“I learned things from her and, when I majored in film production, I learned that you need to be a producer to have control of your project,” Bateman said. “I had a limited budget and that is also a reason why I play a part in the play.”

“The Enemy and The Victim” is a suspense thriller, Bateman said. Bateman said the film centers on a young woman who is trying to cope with her mother’s death and submerges herself in her career and her marriage.

The woman’s husband is a top international contractor who has aspirations of rebuilding his village in Africa. The happily married couple are deep-rooted in the love of family and believe people are genuine. During a private celebration, they receive a charismatic yet unexpected guest who seems to reappear at the most inconvenient times.

The visitor’s presence causes irreparable damages. The suspense builds as viewers wonder if the couple will survive the enemy or be destroyed by his ultimate plan.

She said the story line for the film came from a combination of life experiences.

“I don’t think you can be a good writer unless you draw from your own experiences,” Bateman said.

The original theme song for the move is written and performed by Bateman’s mother, also known as Render Time.

Bateman said she is grateful for family, teachers in Tifton, mentors and professors who have helped her along the way.

To contact senior reporter Angie Thompson, call 382-4321.

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