About Us

Lee

Lee Cogswell and Mark Baxter first crossed paths on the set of the music video ‘To Find The Spirit’ by Stone Foundation. Mark was chaperoning the actor Calum MacNab for the job and also handling PR duties for some clothing brands featured in the video. Meanwhile, Lee was essentially a one-man crew, taking care of all aspects of the shoot.

Lee had already made music videos and a short film in 2013 about the soul singer Nolan Porter, titled ‘Keep On Keepin’ On’. In contrast, Mark, a published author of twelve books, was seeking a fresh challenge in the realm of filmmaking.

Upon witnessing the impressive outcome of their collaboration on that fateful day, Mark promptly contacted Lee to discuss his vision of crafting a documentary centered around London’s jazz maestro, Tubby Hayes. Lee was intrigued by the idea, and that’s when the concept of Mono Media Films was conceived. Mark assumed the role of writer/producer, while Lee took on roles including camera operator, sound engineer, editor, and creative director. After a diligent two-and-a-half-year effort, their labor bore fruit with the release of ‘Tubby Hayes – A Man in a Hurry’ in October 2015, receiving overwhelming critical acclaim. The film reached audiences across the UK, Europe, the US, and Japan.

In 2016, Lee crafted the EPK for the feature film ‘Jawbone,’ featuring prominent actors like Johnny Harris, Michael Smiley, Ray Winstone, and Ian McShane. Mark, in his capacity as an associate producer, played a significant role in this project. The film’s release by BBC Films garnered tremendous critical acclaim in early 2017.

May 2017 marked the launch of another Mono Media Films EPK, this time for Paul Weller’s album ‘A Kind Revolution.’

Sky Arts enlisted Mono Media Films to explore the musical influence and album artwork of celebrated artist Sir Peter Blake. The resulting production, ‘Pop Art Life,’ graced the screens in December 2017 as a co-production between Mono Media Films and Channel X.

Mark

Their second independent film, ‘John Simons – A Modernist,’ delved into the life of the iconic London clothing retailer, John Simons, and hit the theatres in April 2018, drawing sold-out audiences and widespread critical acclaim.

Leading record companies, Acid Jazz and PIAS, then commissioned Mark and Lee to present a retrospective glimpse into the life and musical legacy of underground soul luminary LeRoy Hutson. Their work, ‘The Man! – LeRoy Hutson,’ was unveiled online in five parts over the spring and summer of 2018 on Apple TV.

September 2018 saw Mono Media Films entrusted by Parlophone Records to create two music videos for Paul Weller’s ‘True Meanings’ album, namely ‘Movin’ On’ and ‘White Horses.’ Lee also fashioned the ‘True Meanings’ EPK for Parlophone.

Mono Media Films persevered and continued their creative journey in 2020. This endeavour included the release of their first short dramatic film, ‘The Little Giant,’ which delved into a tumultuous week in the life of UK jazz sensation Tubby Hayes in 1967. The film earned acceptance at three UK film festivals.

Their collaboration with Paul Weller extended to a fly-on-the-wall documentary, providing a unique behind-the-scenes look at the making of his fifteenth studio album, ‘On Sunset,’ which eventually claimed the top spot on the UK album chart. Weller’s achievement marked him as only the third artist to achieve this feat in five consecutive decades, alongside his heroes Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

LCMB

Subsequently, they presented a music video for The Moons’ latest single, “Today,” extracted from the album “Pocket Melodies.” This production was filmed at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in Studio 2, London.

Concluding 2020 on a high note, their feature-length documentary delved into the world of the pop group, The Style Council, for Sky Arts. From 1983 to 1989, this impeccably dressed group served up a diverse and catchy blend of classic agitprop pop, soul, and jazz-infused tunes that still resonate today. The documentary explored how the fervent political landscape of the 1980s shaped the lives, times, and music of the band that Paul Weller formed after leaving The Jam, alongside Mick Talbot. Interviews with Paul Weller, Mick Talbot, Dee C Lee, Steve White, Boy George, Billy Bragg, Martin Freeman, and the Rev Richard Coles provided exclusive insights. The film culminated with a surprise contemporary performance by all four original members, delivering a stunning rendition of their hit, ‘A Very Deep Sea.’

True to their commitment, the journey continues, with their latest project ‘Rise Above It: The Story of Stone Foundation’ released on DVD and On Demand in November 2022. They also had the privilege of contributing a short film to the 90th birthday celebration of Sir Peter Blake at the Royal Festival Hall, sharing the stage with The Who, Madness, Chrissie Hynde, Baxter Dury, Noel Gallagher, and Paul Weller. As their 10th anniversary in 2023 draws near, they are gearing up for the release of two new projects in 2024: a feature-length documentary centred on the female pop artist Pauline Boty and another one highlighting the legendary musician Danny Thompson.