Brett Ratner
Renowned Director, Producer & Entrepreneur
Exclusive Representation by Greater Talent Network
Dubbed “a born storyteller” by LA Weekly, Brett Ratner first dreamed of making movies as a child growing up in Miami Beach, Florida. Throughout elementary school, Ratner made movies in lieu of traditional homework – a talent which helped him skip ahead two grades. In high school, he cut class to hang out on the set of Brian De Palma’s Scarface, until he became such a "nuisance" that De Palma cast him as an extra in the film. After graduating high school early, Ratner was determined to attend New York University Film School but was told that his unimpressive GPA would prevent him from getting in. Ratner refused to accept no for an answer, and after barging into the Dean's office with his application he was accepted into the program. At only 16 years old, Ratner became the department’s youngest film major in history.
Now the 16th highest grossing film director in history with more than $1 billion in career box office sales, Ratner is also the quintessential entrepreneur. In addition to his directorial work, he runs Rat Entertainment, a successful film production company in partnership with Paramount Pictures; Rat Press, a book publishing company with international distribution through Perseus Books Group; Rat Records, a record label with distribution through Warner Brothers; and Brett Ratner Brands, the corporate branding company behind Activision's Guitar Hero "Risky Business" campaign and Wynn Resorts' Encore campaign.
“Luck happens when opportunity meets preparation.”
Ratner’s big break came after he met hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons, which resulted in an explosive career directing music videos. Ratner has directed more than 100 music videos for artists including Madonna, Mariah Carey, Jessica Simpson and P. Diddy. At 26 years old he directed his first feature film, the surprise box office hit Money Talks, a comedy starring Charlie Sheen and Chris Tucker. Since then, his feature films (which include the wildly popular Rush Hour series, The Family Man, X-Men: The Last Stand, Red Dragon and After the Sunset) have grossed more than a billion dollars and broken numerous box office records. Ratner is also the Executive Producer and creative vision behind Fox's popular drama Prison Break.
A Hollywood star in his own right, Ratner starred in an episode of HBO’s Entourage depicting his famous history of lucky breaks. Acting as himself, Ratner rejects an actor’s efforts to pursue a part in his upcoming film (Rush Hour 3) but is later convinced to give him a chance – a recurring theme in Ratner’s own life.
“Success is easy to break down: You need at least 10% talent...and 90% hard work.”
At the podium, Ratner’s archetypal journey from Miami dreamer to Hollywood mogul comes to life through his signature charm and action-packed storytelling style. Famous for his effortless comedic timing and humorous perspective on success, Ratner encourages audiences to look beyond obstacles and never take no for an answer. Also a prominent and influential figure in the Jewish community, Ratner shares how his shameless chutzpah propelled him into overwhelming success.
In addition to success in film and music, Ratner is on the Board of Trustees of the Simon Wiesenthal Foundation and Museum of Tolerance, an international Jewish human rights organization. He also serves on the Board of Chrysallis, a nonprofit organization, and he is on the Dean's Council of the New York University Tisch School of the Arts.
Ratner currently resides in Beverly Hills.
Interested in booking Brett Ratner to speak at your next event?
Now the 16th highest grossing film director in history with more than $1 billion in career box office sales, Ratner is also the quintessential entrepreneur. In addition to his directorial work, he runs Rat Entertainment, a successful film production company in partnership with Paramount Pictures; Rat Press, a book publishing company with international distribution through Perseus Books Group; Rat Records, a record label with distribution through Warner Brothers; and Brett Ratner Brands, the corporate branding company behind Activision's Guitar Hero "Risky Business" campaign and Wynn Resorts' Encore campaign.
“Luck happens when opportunity meets preparation.”
Ratner’s big break came after he met hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons, which resulted in an explosive career directing music videos. Ratner has directed more than 100 music videos for artists including Madonna, Mariah Carey, Jessica Simpson and P. Diddy. At 26 years old he directed his first feature film, the surprise box office hit Money Talks, a comedy starring Charlie Sheen and Chris Tucker. Since then, his feature films (which include the wildly popular Rush Hour series, The Family Man, X-Men: The Last Stand, Red Dragon and After the Sunset) have grossed more than a billion dollars and broken numerous box office records. Ratner is also the Executive Producer and creative vision behind Fox's popular drama Prison Break.
A Hollywood star in his own right, Ratner starred in an episode of HBO’s Entourage depicting his famous history of lucky breaks. Acting as himself, Ratner rejects an actor’s efforts to pursue a part in his upcoming film (Rush Hour 3) but is later convinced to give him a chance – a recurring theme in Ratner’s own life.
“Success is easy to break down: You need at least 10% talent...and 90% hard work.”
At the podium, Ratner’s archetypal journey from Miami dreamer to Hollywood mogul comes to life through his signature charm and action-packed storytelling style. Famous for his effortless comedic timing and humorous perspective on success, Ratner encourages audiences to look beyond obstacles and never take no for an answer. Also a prominent and influential figure in the Jewish community, Ratner shares how his shameless chutzpah propelled him into overwhelming success.
In addition to success in film and music, Ratner is on the Board of Trustees of the Simon Wiesenthal Foundation and Museum of Tolerance, an international Jewish human rights organization. He also serves on the Board of Chrysallis, a nonprofit organization, and he is on the Dean's Council of the New York University Tisch School of the Arts.
Ratner currently resides in Beverly Hills.
Interested in booking Brett Ratner to speak at your next event?
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