Pop CultureTHE SIT-DOWN

Producer says James Gray films are a safe investment

The producers behind Fjord and The End of It traded lessons at a BFI London Film Festival session; nobody mentioned who actually buys the tickets.

On air: Vera Bullock on BBN Tonight
Published 7:35 PM ET, Monday, October 12, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The Hollywood Reporter: “”James Gray Films Are a Safe Investment,” Says ‘Paper Tiger’ Producer”.
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 7:35 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Vera Bullock.
Topics: Gray, LeBron James.
BBN covered this story before: WNBA Finals open Saturday on NBC; Gray's status the big question (October 12).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The Hollywood Reporter”James Gray Films Are a Safe Investment,” Says ‘Paper Tiger’ Producer

What BBN said about it

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorAt a BFI London Film Festival session, producers behind Fjord and Everybody Digs Bill Evans swapped lessons, and The Hollywood Reporter says one called James Gray films a safe investment.
Cassius DromgooleBetween you, me and the popcorn, he's right. Art films are the safest thing in show business.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSafe? Art films?
Cassius DromgooleSafe like a vault. A very quiet vault that very few people enter.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorTell us about your new project, because I understand it's also, quote, safe.
Cassius DromgooleIt's called Tidewater Hush.
Cassius DromgooleI play a lighthouse keeper who is allergic to the sea, and the whole film is one long take of me staring at a kettle.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOne take. Of a kettle.
Cassius DromgooleNinety-one minutes. Between you, me and the popcorn, the kettle is the best actor in it.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorYour last film about a lighthouse keeper lost money, I'm told. How is that safe?
Cassius DromgooleLost is a strong word. I prefer to say the money went on a long journey and has not written.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBut you're dodging the question. Does anyone actually watch your films?
Cassius DromgooleMy mother saw it twice, and she's a tough room. Okay, she left the second time.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorCassius, have you actually watched a James Gray film?
Cassius DromgooleI got forty minutes into one and fell asleep on a very expensive couch.
Cassius DromgooleBetween you, me and the popcorn, it was the best nap of my life.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorLightning round. Favorite snack at the cinema?
Cassius DromgooleWhatever is free.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBest film ever made?
Cassius DromgooleThe one with my name biggest on the poster. I keep this laminated spreadsheet of my reviews, and it's very safe.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWorst advice for a young producer?
Cassius DromgooleWatch the movie first. Tidewater Hush opens Friday in two cinemas, and one is my cousin's garage.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorCassius Dromgoole, everybody. Brock, is there any weather out there safe enough for a kettle?