Richard Prendergast is an acclaimed writer and director, specialising in crafting impactful and emotive films. His numerous accolades from prestigious platforms such as the YDA Awards, 1.4 Awards, international film festivals, and three RTS Awards underscore his innate talent for directing thought-provoking, emotionally resonant narratives.
With over 15 years of experience as a Director of Photography, Richard brings a meticulous eye for composition and cinematic detail. His career began in the Austrian mountains, where he honed his craft within the winter sports industry before travelling the globe as both director and DOP on commercials, documentaries, and films. His portfolio includes work for world-leading brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, Red Bull, and BT Sport, reflecting a visual style that is both dynamic and deeply human.
In 2017, Richard co-founded SubMotion with his producing partner, Rachel, steering the company toward a balance of narrative and commercial filmmaking. His debut short as writer/director, Sylvia, became a global success - winning over 25 international awards, earning Oscar Qualification status and BAFTA long-list recognition, and later being acquired by Disney+. The film’s emotional power and cinematic precision established Richard as a storyteller of rare authenticity and heart.
He continued this trajectory with Maximus, a deeply moving short that brought together students and professionals in a powerful exploration of courage and connection. His recent spec ad Protect and Lubricate became a viral sensation, amassing two million views and showcasing his signature blend of wit, emotion, and cinematic flair within short form commercial content.
Equally at home in commercial and narrative storytelling, Richard’s work is defined by integrity, visual excellence, and a profound understanding of what moves an audience. He continues to develop bold, character-driven feature films and campaigns that seek not only to entertain, but to leave a lasting emotional impact.
Contact / richard@submotion.net / +44 (0) 7443504756
Awards & Recognition
Protect & Lubricate
Spec Ad | WD-40
1.9 million views
250k shares
65k likes
Sylvia
Royal Television Society Award (East) 2022 - Best Short Film
Manhattan Short Film Festival 2019 – Gold Medal Winner *Oscar Qualifying
SCAD Film Festival 2019 – Best Editing
The American Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival 2019 – Best Short Film
Cordillera International Film Festival 2019 – Jury Award Best of Fest
Pittsburgh Short Film Festival 2019 – Best Narrative Audience award
New Renaissance Film Festival 2019 – Best Actress
Chelmsford Film Festival 2019 – Best Actress
Top Shorts 2019 – Annual Awards – Best Actress
Top Shorts 2019 – Annual Awards – Runner Up Best Short Film
Elba Film Festival 2019 – Silver Best Actress
Elba Film Festival 2019 – Bronze Best Screenplay
Show Low Film Festival 2019 – Best of Fest
Aguilar Film Festival 2019 – Young Jury Award – Best Film
Sydney Indy Film Festival 2018 – Best Film
Norwich Film Festival 2018 – Best East Anglian Film *BIFA & BAFTA Qualifying
Tri-Force Film Festival 2018 – William Bryne Award for Promising Director
Overcome Film Festival 2018 – Best Director
London Independent Film Awards 2018 – Best Short Film
Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival 2018 – Best Short Film
London Lift-Off Film Festival 2018 – Special Mention for Best Short Film
Nominations
Cannes Lion’s 2019 – Young Director Award
BAFTA’s 2019 – Best Short Film Long List (Top 20)
1.4 Awards 2019 – Finalist
Underwire Film Festival 2019 – Best Producer
Carmarthen Bay Film Festival 2019 – Finalist Best Short Film *BAFTA Cymru Qualifying
Chelmsford Film Festival 2019 – Best Short Film
Chelmsford Film Festival 2019 – Screenplay
Top Shorts – Annual Awards 2019 – Best Young Actress
Detroit Shetown Film Festival 2019 – Finalist Best Film
Lift-Off Global 2018 – Best Short Film
Gold Movie Awards 2018 – Finalist Best Short Film
Official Selections
Palm Springs International Short Fest 2019 *Oscar & BAFTA Qualifying
Indy Shorts International Film Festival 2019 *Oscar Qualifying
Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival 2019 *Oscar & BAFTA Qualifying
Calgary International Film Festival 2019 *Oscar Qualifying
Edmonton International Film Festival 2019 *Oscar Qualifying
Cleveland International Film Festival 2020
Festival Angaelica 2019
Salut Your Shorts 2019
Foyle Film Festival 2018 *Oscar & BAFTA Qualifying
Aguilar Film Festival 2019
Maximus
HollyShorts Film Festival - Best Action Short Film
Indie Shorts Mag Short Film Festival - Best Short Film
Rhode Island International Film Festival - Official Selection
Cordillera International Film Festival - Official Selection
Nyack Film Festival - Best Foreign Film, Best Score
LA Shorts Int. Film Festival - Official Selection
Short Shorts Film Festival - Nominated: Best Short Film / Diversity Award
Birmingham Film Festival - Nominated: Best Costume, Best Production Design, Best Young Actress, Best Special Effects
Washington West International Film Festival - Official Selection
Norwich Film Festival - Nominated: Best East Anglian Film
Chicago Int. Children’s Film Festival - Official Selection
Cordillera Int/ Film Festival - Official Selection
Washington West Int/ Film Festival - Official Selection
Young Directors Award - Nominated
1.4 Awards - Nominated
RTS Awards - Best Production Craft
American Pavilion Emerging Filmmakers Showcase - Nominated