Exclusive interview with Talitha Bateman

March 3, 2016 | Young actress Talitha Bateman plays the role of child soldier Teacup in the young adult, science fiction film "The Fifth Wave" and she was also Scarlett Kincaid on "Hart of Dixie", Lemon Breeland's half-sister. In this interview Talitha kindly answers our questions about playing these two roles as well as her upcoming films "Nine Lives" with Kevin Spacey and Jennifer Garner, and also in the drama "So B. It" with Cloris Leachman and Alfre Woodard.

Foto: Talitha Bateman - Copyright: Ted Sun
Talitha Bateman
© Ted Sun
Note: © myFanbase 2016 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first two questions (up to 180 words) if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the link to this site.

You play Teacup on "The 5th Wave", could you please tell us a little bit about the casting process for the role?

I was a fan of "The Fifth Wave" before I auditioned. Because I am new to the business and had little experience I did not expect anything from the audition other than the experience. I went in screamed, cried and did Teacup-like things. Then I got called back to meet J Blakeson. He was wonderful! I was on the set of "Hart of Dixie" when my manager called to say Sony was offering me the role. I was so stunned.

The film is based on the novels by Rick Yancey. Did you know the books or read them after your casting?

I had already read "The Fifth Wave" before I auditioned. I was at the book store bright and early when "The Infinite Sea" came out and you can expect me to be waiting outside the door for the store to open on May 24th to get my copies of "The Last Star". Rick is amazing!!!

Your character is a child soldier, how did you prepare for the role?

I have six brothers and we all do park-our, paint-balling and air-soft so I was ready for this role. Once the entire squad was in Atlanta where we filmed, we had intensive bonding and training under the leadership of Joey Boxer.

Was there, for example, a boot camp before shooting?

Our training took place over several days and some of it was very much like a boot-camp. We learned how to shoot, hand to hand combat and non verbal military communication among other things.

The film leaves it to the viewers to think about the intentions of the aliens. Do you think there is life on other planets and if so, how do you picture these beings?

I think the universe is vast and beautiful! I would rather concentrate on human beings exercising human kindness than worry about if there are others on the the planets that light our sky.

You played Scarlett Kincaid on "Hart of Dixie", Lemon's half-sister. What was your favorite part of being part of the little town of Bluebell?

I loved being a part of the final season of "Hart of Dixie". Jamie King was a wonderful big sister. Rachel Bilson was super kind. The entire cast was like a family. They treated me like a princess!

Foto: Talitha Bateman - Copyright: Ted Sun
Talitha Bateman
© Ted Sun

Soon you can be seen on the big screen in "Nine Lives" with Kevin Spacey and Jennifer Garner, and also in the drama "So B. It" with Cloris Leachman and Alfre Woodard. Please tell us a bit more about working on these two films.

"Nine Lives" has Kevin Spacey and Christopher Walken so be prepared for funny! Jennifer Garner was so very kind! She has a genuine sweet personality and when all the girls from Canada would gather around her for attention she was always receptive. I met my friend Malina and I am so glad we got to know each other.

"So B It" is a treasure of a role. I was mentored by the director Stephen Gyllenhaal the father of Jake and Maggie, so that alone was an extraordinary experience. He is very focused and determined as a director but also taught me to not be afraid to tap into myself and to trust my instinct even if it was different than his. The beautiful and talented award winning Alfre Woodard poured so much knowledge, experience and love into me while filming. Dash Mihok became my buddy who I could joke around with. Jacinda Barrett is beautiful and sweet! John Heard was so fun- especially watching him with Stephen. And Jessica Collins is unbelievable in her role. Be prepared to be moved by all these talented people. Sarah Weeks really created a masterpiece!

Is there a piece of advice from an older fellow actor that you found particularly helpful?

My sister Leah Bateman is the "older" actor that helps me the most. She has stepped back from her career to help with me and my little brother. The most important thing I have learned is that my value does not depend on what casting or the public thinks of me. They may love you one day but not the next. As long as I remember that this is just one chapter in my story I will be fine.

Which was the most frightening and the most rewarding thing you had to do so far in a movie?

They have all been rewarding in different ways.I was filming everyday in every scene all summer for So B It so the schedule was very challenging. Nut it was also a role that taught me to rely on the subtleties in acting. A look can say far more than a line.

Congratulations to the recent verification of your Twitter- and Facebook-Account. How do you experience the communication between actors and fans through social media?

I love my followers! It is hard to keep up with personal communication with the small amount I have, so I can understand how difficult it must be for someone like Chloe! But I love interacting with them! Recently I saw a few posts with the hash tag #wewanttheinfiniteseamovie so I decided to jump on it. WE actually trended it on Twitter internationally with thousands of posts within the first hour! It was very rewarding!

Since myFanbase is an online magazine about U.S. television shows, we would like to know what your favorite shows are?

I can't lie I love "Bates Motel". Vera Farmiga is one of my favorite actresses! The acting on the show is so compelling and well done by every actor. I also love "Sherlock". I also love anime "Deathnote", "Code Geass", and "Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood" are my favorites

Thank you, Talitha, we wish you all the best for your future!

Thank you for this interview!!!

Charleen Winter - myFanbase

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