Anna Elizabeth James
- Writer
- Producer
- Director
Anna's break-out feature film, Deadly Illusions (2021) was completed under her company banner Kiss and Tale Productions - where she wrote, directed, and produced. The film became an instant smash hit upon its release on Netflix. The psychological thriller, known for its bold approach and "keep-you-guessing narrative," has been featured in a myriad of publications for breaking numerous streaming records, landing at #1 worldwide for 8 days and the top ten worldwide for 18 days. The story follows a bestselling female novelist suffering from writer's block who hires an innocent young woman to watch over her twin children. As the novelist dangerously indulges in her new best seller, the line between the life she's writing and the one she's living becomes blurred. The film stars Kristin Davis, Dermot Mulroney, Greer Grammer and Shanola Hampton and was acquired by Voltage Pictures for domestic and worldwide sales after the film was completed.
Anna's second psychological thriller which she also wrote, directed and produced, Held Hostage in My House (2024) released October 15, 2025 on Netflix and is now streaming. The story follows a single mom who becomes captive in her own vacation rental and must revisit memories of former guests to unmask her attacker - and find a way out alive. The film stars Amy Smart, Matt Davis, Greer Grammer, Ne-Yo and Billy Zane.
Anna has directed three other feature films, two through Sony Pictures, Emma's Chance (2016) & Destined to Ride (2018) and a TV Movie, Sisters for Life (2021), as well as a pilot for MTV and numerous award-winning shorts. In her second year of grad school her feature script, I Do Over, sold to David Ellison's Skydance Media.
Her other collaborations include, Satisfaction (2026) as Executive Producer, Succubus (2024) which she produced under her Kiss and Tale banner, Supercell (2023) which she co-wrote, and May December (2024) which she helped lift off the ground.
Anna holds an MFA from USC's School of Cinematic Arts and is the mother of four.
Anna's second psychological thriller which she also wrote, directed and produced, Held Hostage in My House (2024) released October 15, 2025 on Netflix and is now streaming. The story follows a single mom who becomes captive in her own vacation rental and must revisit memories of former guests to unmask her attacker - and find a way out alive. The film stars Amy Smart, Matt Davis, Greer Grammer, Ne-Yo and Billy Zane.
Anna has directed three other feature films, two through Sony Pictures, Emma's Chance (2016) & Destined to Ride (2018) and a TV Movie, Sisters for Life (2021), as well as a pilot for MTV and numerous award-winning shorts. In her second year of grad school her feature script, I Do Over, sold to David Ellison's Skydance Media.
Her other collaborations include, Satisfaction (2026) as Executive Producer, Succubus (2024) which she produced under her Kiss and Tale banner, Supercell (2023) which she co-wrote, and May December (2024) which she helped lift off the ground.
Anna holds an MFA from USC's School of Cinematic Arts and is the mother of four.
