SciFi Wales

Mel Pickup

Athgar Heece in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Melanie Pickup known as Mel is an artist and designer for her own accessories business. She got her break with Star Wars at one of her art shows in Dubai whilst she was living there, she was asked to attend a secret casting and 2 days later she was cast as the Creature Character part of 'Athgar Heece' whilst filming in Abu Dhabi.

Mel lived in Dubai for 8 years with her husband who was also a 'Jakku scavenger' in The Force Awakens before making her move back to the UK in early 2016 after the birth of her 2nd child. She spent the first 6 months setting up her business before entering the world of acting.

Star Wars was Mel's first 'taste' of the film world, which she found to be the most amazing and humbling experience being involved in something so iconic. She also loved being a Creature Character as you can become something so different to yourself.