‘Mr International’ – WEF cameraman has Hollywood ties

Greg Ratner sees more action than most from his vantage point as camera operator in the International ring at the Winter Equestrian Festival. His inspiration to take up photography and later videography came from his cousin, Brett Ratner, famous for directing the Rush Hour series, The Family Man, Red Dragon, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Tower Heist as well as producing The Revenant, War Dogs and the Horrible Bosses movies.

“He inspired me to do this,” said Greg, who is now in his fourth year at the Winter Equestrian Festival. “He is very proud of me and every so often he will reach out and say keep up the good work!”

After working as a photographer for 20 years, Greg joined the team at WEF working for Equestrian Sports Production team and Showgrounds Live. “I started from the bottom and worked my way up,” he said. “I was very surprised that I got this far at the show grounds but now they call me ‘Mr International.'”

When Brett was filming the first Rush Hour film, Greg asked if he could work on the set in LA to learn the ropes. Union restrictions meant that was not possible so Greg made his own way. “I always wanted to learn so I figured a way to start off with photography and it started building up from that,” he said.

Days are long and it’s a six am start for Greg, who often leaves the showground nine hours later never missing a trip in that time. The videos are livestreamed and his audience could be watching worldwide or closer to home from the International Club and Media Center at the showgrounds. Riders waiting their turn in the warm up ring can learn from watching the videos of those going before them. “There’s no room for error,” Greg said. “There’s too many people depending on me to see their rides.”

He loves his work and no longer lets the nerves get to him. “I used to have the butterflies a lot,” he said. “But now I don’t let it get to me. It’s like a circus – the show must go on regardless.”