February, 2022

Many of us take for granted that commercial air travel is safe. In 2018, with some 10,000 aircraft in service in more than 150 countries, industry leader Boeing had built its reputation on a dogged commitment to safety. But after 346 passengers are killed when two Boeing 737 MAX jets crash less than five months apart, dedicated journalists, surviving family members, and the United States Congress fight to reveal a culture of concealment and deceit within the venerated company.

Praise
“A study of corporate greed. Heinous and heartbreaking.”
    —The Daily Beast

“A damning portrait of the corporate culture at Boeing. Unblinking.”
     —RogerEbert.com

“A must-see investigative documentary. A highly uncomfortable mirror on modern society’s mores.”
     —Screen Daily / Finn Halligan

“A blistering examination of malfeasance. Impressive.”
     —The Wrap

Press
Variety
The Wrap
Screen Daily

Premiere, 2017 Sundance Film Festival 

The remarkable story of an American icon and innovator who changed the sport of big wave surfing forever. Capturing a lush, violent and awe-inspiring world, the film intercuts never-before-seen archival footage with a winter surf season on Kauai where El Niño storm systems threaten to bring the biggest swells in decades. Moving beyond the surf genre, this in-depth portrait of a hard-charging, driven athlete explores the fear, courage, ambition and talent that push a man to greatness—and the cost that comes with it.

Press
Hollywood Reporter
Deadline
Golden Globe Awards

Screening Information

September, 2010

The Fence examines the construction of the 700-mile fence along the troubled 2000-mile-plus border between Mexico and the United States. From Border Patrol guards, to ranchers, to environmentalists, and voices from both sides of the American immigration controversy, the film investigates the impact of the project, revealing how its stated goals have sometimes given way to unforeseen, even absurd consequences.

Awards
Nominated
IDA Award: Distinguished Short Documentary

Praise
“A primer on the human capacity for arrogance and self-delusion” 
    —Daily Beast

“Audience will likely leave the theater shaking their heads, once again, at government folly.”
    —Park Record

“Over 36 infuriating, disturbing, morbidly hilarious minutes.”
    —Hit Fix

Press
The New York Times 
Wall Street Journal
The Daily Beast

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(short)
August, 2008

Helen Thomas, a tour de force in political reporting, covered the White House and every president in it since John F. Kennedy, earning her the nickname “First Lady of the Press.” Thank You, Mr. President: Helen Thomas at The White House traces Thomas’ remarkable journey from her modest beginnings as the daughter of illiterate immigrants to the trailblazing journalist who stood up to the most powerful men in the world. 

Praise
“An elegantly understated look at an extraordinary career.” 
    —Variety

“All the more fascinating for not being rose-tinted.”
    —New York Times

“Fabulously entertaining … at times even making us want to get up and cheer.”
    —MinnPost

Press
Washington Post
Variety
New York Times

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February, 2007

Ghosts of Abu Ghraib investigates the abuses that occurred in the fall of 2003 at the Iraqi prison Abu Ghraib and the photographs that remain etched in our national consciousness. Through powerful personal narratives given by the perpetrators, witnesses, as well as victims of the abuse, the film probes the psychology of how typical American men and women came to commit such atrocious acts.

Awards
Winner
Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Nonfiction Special
Gracie Allen Award: Outstanding Director 

Nominated
Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Directing
Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Editing
Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Sound Editing
Sundance Film Festival: Grand Jury Prize

Praise
“It should be required viewing for all thoughtful citizens.”
    —Hollywood Reporter

“A controlled, candid and remarkably thorough look at all sides of the what happened at that infamous Iraqi prison and why.” 
    —Los Angeles Times

“A potent piece of documentary filmmaking.”
    —Cinematical

Press
Variety
New York Times
The Hollywood Reporter

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March, 2004

Set in Eupora, Mississippi, where the median household income is under $25,000, A Boy’s Life tells the story of Robert Oliver, a seven-year-old boy whose increasingly violent and disturbing behavior belies his natural intelligence and ability. A verité look into how social services impact American children living in poverty, Robert’s options for help are few. While the sporadic outpatient counseling he receives doesn’t seem sufficient, the alternative is to surrender him to a healthcare system that inspires even less confidence.

Praise
“Achieves unexpected depth and emotional strength.”
    —Boston Herald

“It is difficult to take your eyes off the subjects or their plight.”
    —New York Times

“Pull-no-punches fare.”
    —Salon.com

Press
New York Times
Variety
Salon.com

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Algonquin Books
March, 2017

In this entertaining and timely anthology, nine contemporary Irish Americans present the stories of nine inspiring Irish immigrants whose compassion, creativity, and indefatigable spirit helped shape America.

The authors here bring to bear their own life experiences as they reflect on their subjects, in each essay telling a unique and surprisingly intimate story. Rosie O’Donnell, an adoptive mother of five, writes about Margaret Haughery, known as “Mother of the Orphans.”  Poet Jill McDonough recounts the story of a particularly brave Civil War soldier, and filmmaker and activist Michael Moore presents the original muckraking journalist, Samuel McClure. Novelist Kathleen Hill reflects on famed New Yorker writer Maeve Brennan, and historian Terry Golway examines the life of pivotal labor leader Mother Jones.

In his final written work, activist and politician Tom Hayden explores his own namesake, Thomas Addis Emmet. Non-profit executive Mark Shriver writes about the priest who founded Boys Town, and celebrated actor Pierce Brosnan—himself a painter in his spare time—writes about silent film director Rex Ingram, also a sculptor. And a pair of Pulitzer-prize winning journalists, Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan, take on the story of Niall O’Dowd, the news publisher who brokered peace in Northern Ireland.

Each of these remarkable stories serve as a reflection—and celebration—of our nation’s shared values, ever more meaningful as we debate the issue of immigration today. Through the battles they fought, the cases they argued, the words they wrote, and the lives they touched, the nine Irish men and women profiled in these pages left behind something greater than their individual accomplishments—our America.

Praise
“These are not just nine Irish lives, but nine extraordinary lives, their struggles universal, their causes never more important than today. As the saying goes, the best stories belong to those who can tell them. And these are well told, by some of our best storytellers.”
    —Timothy Egan, New York Times bestselling author of The Immortal Irishman

“Yes indeed, we’re torturously poetic. Awkwardly comic. Willfully ambiguous. Not happy unless we're sad. But the world wouldn't have it any other way. And if anything captures this Irish spirit, it's Mark Bailey's wonderfully eclectic Nine Irish Lives. A marvelous symphony from a variety of well-known voices.”
    —Colum McCann, New York Times bestselling author of Let the Great World Spin

“Today, when some in the United States are wishing away our diversity and openly inciting discrimination and even violence, Nine Irish Lives serves as a riveting, inspiring reminder of all that America stands to gain by opening our arms to the hungry, the persecuted, the proud, and the determined."
    —Samantha Power, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations

"Mark Bailey's Nine Irish Lives is a string of illuminating prose meditations about an unsung club of sustainable heroes with St. Patrick on their side.  Much forgotten history is brought to life in this riveting narrative. Highly recommended!!"
    —Douglas Brinkley, CNN Presidential historian and New York Times-bestselling author of The Great Deluge

“Nine Irish Lives reveals the fascinating stories of men and women who might otherwise be lost to history. Each perfect pairing of subject and author elevates this book from simple biography to a moving conversation between present and past. It’s a timely reminder of what is gained when immigrants come to America.”
    —J. Courtney Sullivan, bestselling author of Saints for All Occasions

 “Nine Irish Lives is an engrossing and inspiring book.  As the child of Irish immigrants, I was in awe of what these nine people achieved.”
    —Mary Higgins Clark, internationally bestselling suspense novelist

“Readers interested in getting their Irish on will delight in this collection of essays detailing a variety of significant contributions by Irish immigrants to the history of the U.S.”
    —Booklist

“What makes these pieces work so well is the connection each writer feels with the chosen subject, with those not primarily known as writers revealing as much about themselves as their subject through their choice . . . . a tribute to the indomitable Irish character and the transformational possibilities of America. This is a perfect St. Patrick’s Day anthology for the Irish book lover on your gift list.”
    —Kirkus Reviews

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Algonquin Books
September, 2014

Illustrated by Edward Hemingway

Bailey has pillaged the Hollywood vaults of history from the frontier days of silent film up to the psychedelic 1970s to dig up the true—and often surprising—stories of seventy of our most beloved actors, directors, and screenwriters. Edward Hemingway’s stylized portraits complete this spirited look at America’s most iconic silver-screen legends and the decadent, alcohol-soaked world of Hollywood fame and fortune. 

Bite-size biographies are followed by ribald anecdotes, memorable quotes, and favorite cocktail recipes. Outrageous stories about film sets drenched in booze (From Here to Eternity, The Misfits, Apocalypse Now) are paired with the legendary watering-holes of the day and their signature drinks, like Musso & Frank’s Martini, Don the Beachcomber’s Zombie, and Café Trocadero’s Vendome Special Sling. 

A real treat for film history buffs and mixologists, Of All the Gin Joints is an invitation to Tinseltown—the glamorous party scene and the drinking that made it shine.

Praise
“This book is like being at the best dinner party in the world. And, I thought I was the first person to put a bar in my closet. I was clearly born during the wrong era.” 
    —Chelsea Handler

“The perfect cocktail of a book: sweet enough to go down easily, sour enough to cleanse the palate, and strong enough to leave you giddy. When I finished I still wanted more!”
    —Walter Kirn

“Booze it up with F. Scott! Roll one with McQueen! In Of All The Gin Joints, you can experience the true measure of showbiz debauchery without the annoying side effects of divorce, death or unfulfilled potential!”
    —Rob Lowe

“One part cinematic history, one part Hollywood weirdness, one part handy bar guide, with a dash of romance and more than a few wry twists. Bailey and Hemingway prove themselves very entertaining cultural mixologists.”
    —Sam Lipsyte

Press
Boston Herald
Library Journal

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Running Press Kids
May, 2013

Co-written by Michael Oatman
Illustrated by Edward Hemingway
Recipe by Alice Waters

Little Ellie the elephant is the only kid at a grown-up party. No one is paying any attention to poor Ellie, and she can’t reach the food! Why must everything be for big people?

Then to Ellie’s surprise, she discovers a little chef mouse inside a hole in the wall, and he’s filming a cooking show! Ellie can see that his sharp senses are key ingredients for a successful tiny pie. Will this be the perfect snack that’s just her size?

As an added treat, Alice Waters has contributed a delicious tiny apple pie recipe perfect for little hands (and big appetites)!

Praise
“Funny, beautiful, and heartwarming. You must make tiny pie after reading this.”
    —Maira Kalman

“An adorable journey through the five senses. And theirs pie!”
    —Nancy Tillman

“Charmingly illustrates that if we follow our hearts, we’ll never be too small for big dreams.”
    —Maria Shriver

Press
Publishers Weekly
Chicago Tribune
Contra Costa Times

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Algonquin Books
October, 2006

Illustrated by Edward Hemingway

In this entertaining homage to the golden age of the cocktail, writer Mark Bailey and illustrator Edward Hemingway present the best (and thirstiest) American writers, their favorite cocktails, true stories of their saucy escapades, and intoxicating excerpts from their literary works. 

When Algonquin Round Table legend Robert Benchley was asked if he knew that drinking was a slow death, Benchley took a sip of his cocktail and replied, “So who’s in a hurry?” Hunter S. Thompson took Muhammad Ali’s health tip to eat grapefruit every day; he just added liquor to the mix. Invited to a “come as you are” party, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, arrived in their pajamas ready for their cocktail of choice: a Gin Rickey.

Forty-three classic American writers, forty-three authentic cocktail recipes, forty-three telling anecdotes about the high life, and forty-three samples of the best writing in literature—Hemingway & Bailey’s Bartending Guide to Great American Writers delivers straight-up fun.

Praise
I like everything about this book except that I’m not in it.”
    —Norman Mailer

“Unfailingly informative and by turns harrowing and hilarious.”
    —William Styron

“A bracing cocktail of wit, anecdote, and practical knowledge. I’m keeping one copy by the bed and one by the bar.”
    —Jay McInerney

“Civilization finally has a book that makes you want to both drink and read!”
    —Sebastian Junger

Press
NPR
The Paris Review
USA Today

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Umbrage Editions
November, 1998

Photographs by Steve Lehman
Edited by Mark Bailey
Introduction by Robert Coles
Essay by Robbie Barnett

The Tibetans is the first of its kind: a beautiful but disquieting portrait of both the splendor and ruin that mark contemporary Tibet. Award-winning photojournalist Steve Lehman travels beyond the mountain vistas and timeless temples to uncover a different Tibet—a Tibet of lumberyards and uranium mines, of brothels and discos, of demolished temples and burned-out police stations. Documented over a ten-year period, Lehman's thoughtful and empathic photographs make real the grave beauty of this culture torn by political conflict.

Unflinching images explore the critical issues: cultural assimilation, human rights abuse, environmental degradation, and religious persecution. Extensive quotes and oral histories culled from hundreds of interviews with Tibetans augment the evocative color images, along with Tibetan ephemera, maps, propaganda, and religious iconography, adding texture and insight to this finely crafted monograph.

Awards
National Press Photographs Association:
Book of the Year
Cri de Coeur Award: Best Book

Praise
“Sadly, it is now almost forty year since I last saw my homeland, but the pictures in this book, The Tibetans, vividly reveal how much has changed in Tibet under the Chinese rule. And yet, the unbroken Tibetan spirit also shines through.”
    —Tenzin Gyatso, The Dalai Lama

“A stirring photographic essay which gives texture and grit to the reality of life in Tibet. A timely reminder of the ongoing ecogenocide and obliteration of Tibetan culture in its painful recent history under the Chinese.”
    —Peter Matthiessen

“Steve Lehman’s book, The Tibetans, is essential in helping us to piece together the recent events in Tibet. For me, these photographs and text captures Tibet’s vibrant culture and history and succeeds in communicating the situation in Tibet today.”
    —Philip Glass 

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Brown Trout Publishers
Created by Mark Bailey, 2016

It seems like everyone is a lawyer—or at least knows one! So put your tongue in your cheek and chuckle along, as bikini-clad babes are replaced by United States Supreme Court Justices. In today's world, the whole nation watches Supreme Court headlines with feverish intensity, and now it's time to offer America some laughs. Is your husband a lawyer? Did your daughter pass the bar? Along with hilarious photographs, you'll find real quotes, mini-biographies, and a potpourri of amusing legal tidbits. Fun, funny, and smart, this wall calendar is a must-have for anyone and everyone who likes to laugh.

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Available Go! Stores nationwide and Calendars.com
Created by Mark Bailey

Nobody knows for certain where the Tiny Headed Kingdom lies. Is it far beyond the seas? Just over the mountains? Maybe right under our noses?

But one day, without explanation and as if by magic, the strangest animals began to appear, like balloons or lollipops or birthday cakes or other fun things that are mostly round. 

The animals had tiny heads and great big hearts. And as everyone soon discovered—all they wanted to do was hug.

Tiny heads. Big Hearts.

Praise
“I sat in so much traffic today to get to him but omg it was worth it because I got the last tiny headed bear in my part of Jersey!!!” 
  —Jordan

Press
Big Toys Club
The Stuffed Party
Tom Cat Custom Toys

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tinyheadedkingdom.com
Purchase (temporarily sold out)