Anna Elizabeth James
- Writer
- Producer
- Director
Anna Elizabeth James is a two-time top trending Netflix director and screenwriter with a proven track record for delivering global streaming hits. Distinguished by her "keep-you-guessing" narratives and bold visual style, James has emerged as a powerhouse multi-hyphenate, consistently capturing the #1 spot on the world’s largest streaming platform. James’ latest psychological thriller, Held Hostage in My House (2024), starring Amy Smart, Matt Davis, and Billy Zane, debuted on Netflix in late 2025 to immediate acclaim. This followed her massive global breakout, Deadly Illusions (2021), which she also wrote, directed, and produced under her Kiss and Tale Productions banner. Upon its release, Deadly Illusions, starring Kristin Davis and Dermot Mulroney, became an international phenomenon - #1 Film Worldwide on Netflix for 8 consecutive days, Global Top 10 for 18 days - a Record-Breaking Performance featured in numerous publications for its viral success and narrative grip.
A versatile storyteller, James has directed five feature films to date. Her credits include the Sony Pictures releases Emma’s Chance (2016) and Destined to Ride (2018), the TV movie Sisters for Life (2021), and a pilot for MTV. Her sharp eye for commercial material was evident early in her career when her feature script, I Do Over, was acquired by David Ellison’s Skydance Media while still in graduate school.
Beyond directing, Anna is a prolific producer and collaborator within the industry. Recent notable projects include Satisfaction (2026) Executive Producer, Succubus (2024) Producer, Supercell (2023) co-writer and May December (2024) as an integral early-stage collaborator for the critically acclaimed feature. Most recently she has written the feature script, If I Can Dream, an intimate portrait of Elvis Presley told through his best friend’s perspective.
Anna holds an MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. She is known for her relentless work ethic and her ability to shepherd projects from inception to global distribution. Based in Los Angeles, James balances her prolific filmmaking career with being a mother of four.
A versatile storyteller, James has directed five feature films to date. Her credits include the Sony Pictures releases Emma’s Chance (2016) and Destined to Ride (2018), the TV movie Sisters for Life (2021), and a pilot for MTV. Her sharp eye for commercial material was evident early in her career when her feature script, I Do Over, was acquired by David Ellison’s Skydance Media while still in graduate school.
Beyond directing, Anna is a prolific producer and collaborator within the industry. Recent notable projects include Satisfaction (2026) Executive Producer, Succubus (2024) Producer, Supercell (2023) co-writer and May December (2024) as an integral early-stage collaborator for the critically acclaimed feature. Most recently she has written the feature script, If I Can Dream, an intimate portrait of Elvis Presley told through his best friend’s perspective.
Anna holds an MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. She is known for her relentless work ethic and her ability to shepherd projects from inception to global distribution. Based in Los Angeles, James balances her prolific filmmaking career with being a mother of four.
