Mike Ratel is a Washington, DC filmmaker and photographer. 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.

As a photographer Mike has specialized in glamour and nightlife photography. In 2004 he had the opportunity to photograph the cover for the Daycare Swindlers final album entitled The Morning After and in 2010 he shot an assignment for Inked Magazine. Examples of Mike's photography can be found at mikeratel.com.