Anna Elizabeth James

Anna Elizabeth James (born September 29, 1978) is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer, known for directing the psychological thriller film Deadly Illusions (2021). She founded the production company Kiss and Tale Productions and has written, directed and produced a number of feature films and projects.

Early life and education

James was born in Greenbrae, California, and raised in Petaluma and Sacramento, where she attended Del Campo High School. She later earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, being selected to direct a competitive student production (teen thriller Haven's Point). While still in graduate school, she sold her feature script I Do Over to Skydance Media.

Career

Breakthrough and feature films

James made her feature-film directorial debut with Emma's Chance (2016), followed by Destined to Ride (2018), and the television movie Sisters for Life (2021).

Her best-known work is the [...] psychological thriller Deadly Illusions (2021), which she wrote, directed and produced under her production company Kiss and Tale Productions. The film stars Kristin Davis, Dermot Mulroney and Greer Grammer, and was acquired for international sales by Voltage Pictures. The first-look was announced in 2020 and the film was released on the streaming service Netflix in March 2021. It reached #1 worldwide on Netflix in its opening week.

Recent projects

James has continued to produce, write and direct projects under her banner. Her psychological thriller Held Hostage In My House (2024), starring Amy Smart, Billy Zane, Greer Grammer and music artist Ne-Yo, was released on Netflix on October 15, 2025. She has also been credited as a producer or co-writer on films such as Succubus (2024) and Supercell (2023).

Style and themes

James's films often centre on complex women characters navigating identity, sexuality and power. She is known for reworking traditional thriller tropes through a contemporary, female-driven lens, and for embracing low-budget innovation including iPhone filmmaking techniques.

Filmography

Film

Executive producer

• Satisfaction (2025)

Television

• Sisters for Life (2021), Director