Melissa Spicer is a New Zealand based prop master, with over 25 years of professional experience in film and television.

Her art department contribution includes award winning feature films, such as King Kong, Avatar, and The Hobbit trilogies. Melissa has worked for renowned directors Steven Spielberg (Tintin, The BFG), Peter Jackson and Taika Waititi (Eagle Vs Shark).

Melissa spent several years on Pandora - being NZ Prop Master on Avatar, The Way of Water (2023) and Prop Master on Avatar, Fire and Ash (2025) for director Jim Cameron and legendary producer, the late Jon Landau.

A background in weapon-heavy shows, such as Spartacus Blood and Sand (s1), Avatar (original film and sequels), The Hobbit (1+2) has resulted in Melissa’s extensive knowledge of hard surface and organic prop fabrication; firearms, knives, bow/arrows, swords, complex heavy weapons, stunt, breakaway and other specialized props. She has a particular love of historical and character props.

Recent projects include the Netflix limited series East of Eden ( Production Designer Grant Major, 2026) and Queenstown (2027), as well as the much loved Disney franchise Zombies 5: Secrets of the Sea (2027).