How to Cite a Movie APA Format
Citing a movie in APA format is an essential skill for students and researchers in various academic fields. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original creators but also ensures the integrity of the research. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to cite a movie in APA format, including both in-text citations and reference list entries.
General Format
When citing a movie in APA format, it is important to include the following elements: the title of the movie, the director’s name, the release year, and the production company. The format for citing a movie in the reference list is as follows:
Movie Title. (Year). Directed by Director’s Last Name, Production Company.
For example:
Star Wars. (1977). Directed by George Lucas, Lucasfilm.
In-Text Citation
In-text citations are used to acknowledge the source of information within the text. When citing a movie in APA format, the in-text citation should include the director’s last name and the year of release. The format for in-text citations is as follows:
(Director’s Last Name, Year)
For example:
According to Lucas (1977), the film Star Wars has become a cultural icon.
When citing a specific scene or quote from the movie, include the scene number or time stamp in parentheses:
(p. 10:30)
Additional Elements
In some cases, additional elements may be required when citing a movie in APA format. These include:
– Version: If the movie has been released in different versions (e.g., theatrical, extended, director’s cut), include the version in parentheses after the title.
– Format: If the movie is available in a specific format (e.g., VHS, DVD, streaming), include the format in parentheses after the production company.
– Medium: If the movie is available in a different medium (e.g., television, online), include the medium in parentheses after the format.
For example:
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. (1980). Directed by Irvin Kershner, Lucasfilm. (Theatrical version)
Breaking Bad. (2008-2013). Directed by Vince Gilligan, AMC.
Conclusion
Citing a movie in APA format is a crucial aspect of academic integrity. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, students and researchers can ensure that their work is properly credited and their sources are easily accessible to others. Remember to always check for any specific citation requirements provided by your institution or publication.
