Mike Ratel is a filmmaker in the Washington, DC metro area. In the past Mike has used his Super 8 movie camera to shoot footage of rock bands and of his travels. Mike's inspiration has been indie filmmakers such as Jim Jarmusch and Robert Rodriquez.

In 2003 Mike co wrote the theme song and starred in Pat DiNizio's King Liesure S.O.B. DiNizio is best known as the songwriter and singer of New Jersey's Smithereens who had hits with thier songs Blood and Roses, A Girl Like You, and Blues Before and After. In 2004 King Liesure S.O.B. had it's World Premeire at the D.I.Y convention in Los Angeles.

Mike is a musician who has played bass and guitar with the Burnt Ernies, Downtime, and Sarah Azzara. Currently he is playing ukulele in a punk rock cover band.

As a photographer Mike has specialized in glamour and the photography of musicians and in 2004 had the opportunity to photograph the cover for the Daycare Swindlers final album entitled The Morning After.