When discussing films in academic or professional settings, properly citing them is crucial for credibility and to avoid plagiarism. A “Works Cited” page, commonly used in MLA (Modern Language Association) formatting, is where you list all the sources you’ve cited in your work. For films, the citation includes essential details that help readers find the source. Here’s an easy guide to citing films in your Works Cited page:
Basic Film Citation Structure
The basic structure for citing a film in MLA includes the title of the film, the director, the distributor, and the year of release. Here’s how it looks:
Title of Film. Directed by Director's Name, Distributor, Year of Release.
Example
For a film like “The Shawshank Redemption,” the citation would look like this:
The Shawshank Redemption. Directed by Frank Darabont, Columbia Pictures, 1994.
Including Other Contributors
If you want to emphasize a particular contributor, such as a performer, you can start your citation with their name, followed by their role, the title of the film, and then the rest of the information.
Example with a Performer
Freeman, Morgan, performer. The Shawshank Redemption. Directed by Frank Darabont, Columbia Pictures, 1994.
Example with a Screenwriter
If you want to cite the screenwriter, especially if the original work was based on a book or play, you can list them after the title:
The Shawshank Redemption. Screenplay by Frank Darabont, directed by Frank Darabont, Columbia Pictures, 1994.
Citing a Film from a Streaming Service
For films accessed through streaming services, you might want to include the service’s name and the date of access, especially since availability can change.
Example
The Shawshank Redemption. Directed by Frank Darabont, Columbia Pictures, 1994. Amazon Prime Video, www.amazon.com/Shawshank-Redemption, accessed 10 Feb. 2023.
DVDs or Blu-rays
If you’re citing a film from a DVD or Blu-ray, you can include the medium after the distributor.
Example
The Shawshank Redemption. Directed by Frank Darabont, Columbia Pictures, 1994. DVD.
Documentary Films
For documentaries, it’s often useful to include the producer if they are more relevant to your research than the director.
Example
Super Size Me. Directed by Morgan Spurlock, produced by Morgan Spurlock and Erica Smith, Roadside Attractions, 2004.
Tips for Citing Films
- Accuracy is Key: Ensure all details, such as names and years, are correct.
- Use Hanging Indents: In your Works Cited page, use a hanging indent for each citation to make them easier to read.
- Check for Updates: MLA guidelines can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest MLA Handbook for the most current citation practices.
By following these guidelines, you can properly cite films in your Works Cited page, giving credit where it’s due and showing the depth of your research. Whether you’re discussing classic cinema or the latest blockbusters, accurate citations are essential for any film-related academic or professional work.
