JoAnn Hess is a multi-award-winning screenwriter for film and television and a Creative Executive with London Angel Film (AUS). Through her company, Pure Moxie Productions, she develops character-driven projects that travel—gritty true-life dramas, sleek political thrillers, and family adventures with heart.
Her feature COOKSTER: The Darkest Days premiered in UK theatres on March 6, 2025, earning critical acclaim, five film awards, and four nominations at the BAFTA-qualifying Unrestricted View Film Festival (UVFF). The film recently secured distribution with Sky Entertainment and is now available on Amazon UK. Cookster was also spotlighted in Variety for its impact and growing franchise potential. A sequel, COOKSTER: No Way Out, is slated to be directed by Peter Field (Skyfall, Edge of Tomorrow).
For television, JoAnn created Shadowfall, a contemporary conspiracy thriller, where legacy, loyalty, and power collide. She also writes in the family space with Rise of Heroes: The Legend of the Guardian, which has secured financing with production targeted for early 2026. Her newest dramedy, Grandfella—a story of family, redemption, and small-town politics—is in development with London Angel Film and Buffalo 8.
JoAnn’s dynamic, emotionally resonant scripts have been optioned and commissioned across the US, UK, and Australia, drawing interest from Netflix, Muse Entertainment, Estuary Films, and SKY. She currently has projects in development with MarVista Entertainment and Worldwide Entertainment & Media. As Creative Executive for London Angel Film, she collaborates closely with the CEO and production team on slate strategy, script development, notes, and rewrites, to prepare projects for market and production.
An Army brat and Navy wife, JoAnn has lived and traveled worldwide—bringing a global perspective, a spirit of adventure, and a deep commitment to human connection to every story she tells.