Hi guys, hope 2012 is going well for you so far!
Hope this the right thread!

After looking at the pacing of some of my work, I can't quite put my finger on what is missing.
I think it might be structure, enough happening at the right time to the right characters.

I realize there is lots of advice out there about 3 act, hero's journey, dramatica, 4 act, etc and am not after links or stuff on the theory.

What I would like, is if you guys could give actual examples of scripts you've read (preferbly well known/contemporary) that you would consider to have "perfect structure" the reading of which just felt right, not forced in any way.

I use quote marks of course as opinion will vary, that is the nature of opinion after all.

I recently read the script for one of my favorite sci-fi thriller action movies - Aliens - and found the structure just right, tension, character, build seemed to tick all the boxes for me.

Thanks guys.

Aliens is very good.

I have not read the script for POA, but I did see the current Planet of the Apes, and you can plot the standard structure very easily. The opening was your adrenaline stage setting stuff, then the story unfolds according to standard turns, from inciting incident to act turns.

I've also heard this general rule of thumb: every 10 minutes you should introduce some new element or turn that takes things in a surprising direction, something that keeps us watching, questions that need to be answered. Maybe write as though this is a TV show with commercials every 10 minutes. You know, where they show you something just before the commercial to make sure you stick around.

Just ideas for you to consider if you like.

ah yes, the ten page thing i happen to agree with.
havent seen the new POA so will be able to check the script then watch the movie, i prefer it that way sometimes.

I recommended "Sunflower" By Misha Green in a different thread a couple of weeks back as just being a great read full stop so why not give it another plug here.

It’s a black list script from 2008 and as far as I know, remains unproduced.

Naturally, everyone has their own idea of good pacing according to their tastes and attention span but this zipped along at satisfying speed for me.

If you can't locate it on the net I can email it on to you.

If you want to study perfect structure, look at any PIXAR Animation feature film. Toy Story, The Incredibles, and WALL-E top that list for me.

I'm reading Avatar at the moment and find it to be "well written" within an inch of its life actually.

Its funny I've also been looking at some stuff thats been written about the subject of structure and have found some pro writters that hate the three act structure (and other cookie cutter type methods) and say it gives a script exactly ZERO additional chance of being produced than one that uses no such such structure method. And they have me a bit confused to say the least lol. But it is interesting for sure.

P.S. Kev where did you find the Rise of the Planet of the Apes script? Wouldnt mind taking a look at it.