How to Cite a Movie APA
Citing a movie in APA style is an essential skill for anyone engaged in academic writing, especially in the fields of film studies, media, and communication. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original creators but also allows readers to locate the source material for further reference. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to cite a movie in APA format.
General Format
The general format for citing a movie in APA style includes the following elements: author(s), title of the movie, title of the production company, release year, and the medium of production. Here is an example:
Smith, J. (Director). (2000). The Matrix [Motion picture]. Warner Bros.
Author(s)
When citing a movie, the author is typically the director. If the director is known, include their last name followed by their first initial. If the director is unknown, use “Dir.,” which stands for “director.” For example:
Dir. (Year). Movie Title [Motion picture]. Production Company.
Title of the Movie
The title of the movie should be written in title case, with the first letter of each major word capitalized. If the movie has a subtitle, it should be placed in quotation marks and follow the main title. For example:
The Matrix: Revolutions [Subtitle]
Title of the Production Company
The production company’s name should be written in title case, with the first letter of each major word capitalized. For example:
Warner Bros.
Release Year
The release year should be written in parentheses, immediately following the production company’s name. For example:
(Warner Bros., 2000)
Medium of Production
The medium of production is the format in which the movie was originally released, such as “Motion picture” or “Video recording.” This information is placed at the end of the citation. For example:
(Warner Bros., 2000). Motion picture
Online Sources
If you are citing an online source, such as a streaming platform or a digital copy of the movie, include the URL where the movie can be accessed. Here is an example:
Smith, J. (Director). (2000). The Matrix [Motion picture]. Warner Bros. Retrieved from
Multiple Directors
If a movie has multiple directors, list them in the order of their contribution to the film, separated by commas. For example:
Jackson, S., & King, K. (Directors). (1994). Jurassic Park [Motion picture]. Universal Pictures.
Conclusion
Citing a movie in APA style is a straightforward process that involves including specific information about the film, its creators, and the medium of production. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and adhere to the APA format. Proper citation not only demonstrates academic integrity but also aids in the research process by allowing others to locate the source material you have referenced.
