SPENCER Wilding made a surprise appearance during a school’s premiere of their own film.

Pupils at Rhyl’s Blessed Edward Jones Catholic High School wrote, filmed and starred in their own short film Fight or Flight with the help of Paul Higginson, executive vice president EMEA for Twentieth Century Fox and BAFTA-award-winning English television and film scriptwriter, Jimmy McGovern.

Fight or Flight deals with issues of self-esteem, body image and social media. It was filmed in the school, with pupils taking on all roles in the production.

Spencer, who plays werewolf Fenrir Greyback and a Death Eater in Harry Potter: Wizards Unite - a new location-based augmented reality game inspired by JK Rowling's Wizarding World, has appeared in a host of Hollywood blockbusters; he played Darth Vader in Rogue One and was in Guardians of the Galaxy, Batman Begins and Men in Black: International.

The actor attended the premiere and spoke to pupils during their big day on Friday, July 12.

Rhyl Journal:

Pupils showcase short film Fight or Flight

Mark Cohen, interim headteacher, said: "It was fantastic to see the students’ hard work pay off with the premiere of Fight or Flight.

"Our students relished the opportunity to put themselves outside their comfort zone. Having professionals work with our students has extend their skills and experiences, boosting their confidence and self-belief, opening their minds to future career possibilities in the film industry.”

The short film project was part of Denbighshire County Council’s Curriculum Enrichment initiative’s work to support young people and enrich their learning and was produced in partnership with Colwyn Bay-based Tape Community Music and Film.

The filmmaking process started in November 2017, when a scriptwriting masterclass was held for Denbighshire secondary students with Mr McGovern, writer of Brookside, Cracker, Hillsborough, The Street, The Lakes and award-winning films, Priest and Liam.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the council’s lead member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: "This has provided a great opportunity for Denbighshire pupils to learn from some of the best in the business and use their own creativity.

"Supporting young people to achieve their potential is a priority for the council and projects like this help us accomplish that.”

Funding for the filmmaking project was awarded by the Thomas Howell’s Education Fund for North Wales.