After completing a degree in Economics, Simon Spender started working in TV commercials as a runner for companies including Spectre, Rose Hackney Barber, Stink, Academy, RSA, Partizan, Hungry Man and @radical.media, Simon worked on over 150 adverts whilst continuing to make short films. He began freelancing as an internet video director at the height of the dot.com era and made various promotional videos for software developers, internet couriers and night clubs.

Simon convinced the bank to lend him some money to make four test spots in a 3-day shoot. This won him representation at Vermilion Films, where he has continued to make tests and direct adverts for Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi and Barrett Cernis, for clients including Cereal Partners, Procter & Gamble and BUPA. A recent commercial for Woolwich lead him to a signing at Love Films.