J.F. Lawton moved to the A-list with his script for Garry Marshall's blockbuster "Pretty Woman" (1990). While the original screenplay, entitled "3,000", was much darker, the final result, which played much like a fairy tale and was enhanced by Julia Roberts star-making turn, catapulted Lawton to the forefront. Pretty Woman became Disney's highest grossing live action film.

After "Pretty Woman", Lawton found some success as a screenwriter, collaborating with Barry Primus on the little-seen but much praised "Mistress" (1992), co-produced by co-star Robert De Niro. He fared better with "Under Siege" (also 1992) which confirmed the star status of Steven Seagal, cast as a Navy cook on a battleship who must save the world from terrorists and nuclear disaster.

JF has also taught screenwriting courses at the famed Sundance Institute set up by Robert Redford and which has become a breeding ground for new talent.

As a director and producer he was the creator and one of the guiding forces behind "V.I.P.", a syndicated adventure series that starred Pamela Anderson.

The Swansea Bay Film Festival 2009 now brings you the chance to learn from an Industry Giant.... and who knows..maybe hand him a copy of your script !