Mastering APA Style- A Comprehensive Guide to Citing Movies in Academic Writing

How to Cite a Movie APA Style

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. The APA (American Psychological Association) citation format is widely used in the social sciences and humanities. Properly citing a movie in APA style not only gives credit to the original creators but also helps readers locate the source material. In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing a movie in APA style, ensuring that your references are accurate and consistent.

General Format

When citing a movie in APA style, there are several key elements to include: the author, the title of the movie, the title of the production company, the release year, and the medium of production. The format typically looks like this:

Author, A. A. (Director). (Year). Movie title [Motion picture]. Production Company.

For example:

Smith, J. (Director). (2019). Inception [Motion picture]. Warner Bros. Pictures.

Special Cases

There are some special cases to consider when citing a movie in APA style:

1.

Unpublished or Non-Commercial Films

If you are citing an unpublished or non-commercial film, include the name of the producer or director in parentheses after the title of the movie.

Example:

Johnson, L. (Producer). (2018). The Unseen [Motion picture]. (L. Johnson, Director).

2.

Foreign Language Films

When citing a foreign language film, include the original title in italics and the English title in quotation marks.

Example:

Del Toro, G. (Director). (2006). El laberinto del fauno [The Pan’s Labyrinth] [Motion picture]. Miramax Films.

3.

Documentaries

If you are citing a documentary, include the name of the producer in parentheses after the title of the movie.

Example:

Greene, P. (Producer). (2015). Virunga [Motion picture]. National Geographic Entertainment.

4.

Multiple Versions of a Movie

If you are citing a specific version of a movie, such as a director’s cut or a re-release, include the version title in parentheses after the original title.

Example:

Scorsese, M. (Director). (1990). Goodfellas [Motion picture]. Warner Bros. Pictures. (Director’s cut, 2011).

Conclusion

Citing a movie in APA style is a straightforward process that involves including the necessary information in the correct format. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your references are accurate and consistent, which is crucial for academic integrity. Remember to always double-check the publication details and format your citations according to the latest APA guidelines.