When it comes to citing film sources in academic writing, it's essential to follow the guidelines set by the Modern Language Association (MLA). The MLA style is widely used in the humanities, and its citation format can be complex, especially for film sources. In this article, we'll provide 12 MLA film citation tips to help you easily reference films in your academic work.
Understanding MLA Film Citation Basics
The MLA style requires that you cite films in a specific format, which includes the title of the film, the director, the distributor, and the year of release. The basic format for citing a film in MLA is as follows: Director’s Last Name, First Name, director. Title of Film, Distributor, Year of Release. For example: Kubrick, Stanley, director. 2001: A Space Odyssey, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1968.
Tip 1: Include the Director’s Name
When citing a film, it’s essential to include the director’s name, as they are considered the primary creator of the work. The director’s name should be listed in the format: Last Name, First Name. For example: Coppola, Francis Ford.
Tip 2: Use Title Case for Film Titles
Film titles should be in title case, which means that the major words are capitalized. For example: The Shawshank Redemption. This helps to distinguish the title from the rest of the citation.
Tip 3: Include the Distributor’s Name
The distributor’s name is an essential part of the citation, as it helps to identify the specific version of the film being referenced. The distributor’s name should be listed after the title of the film. For example: The Godfather, Paramount Pictures, 1972.
Tip 4: Use the Year of Release
The year of release is an important part of the citation, as it helps to identify the specific version of the film being referenced. The year of release should be listed after the distributor’s name. For example: Pulp Fiction, Miramax Films, 1994.
| Citation Element | Example |
|---|---|
| Director's Name | Coppola, Francis Ford |
| Film Title | The Godfather |
| Distributor's Name | Paramount Pictures |
| Year of Release | 1972 |
Citing Film Sources with Multiple Creators
Sometimes, a film may have multiple creators, such as multiple directors or producers. In these cases, it’s essential to include all the relevant names in the citation. The basic format for citing a film with multiple creators is as follows: Director’s Last Name, First Name, and Director’s Last Name, First Name, directors. Title of Film, Distributor, Year of Release. For example: Coen, Joel, and Coen, Ethan, directors. No Country for Old Men, Miramax Films, 2007.
Tip 5: Include All Relevant Names
When citing a film with multiple creators, it’s essential to include all the relevant names in the citation. This helps to ensure that the citation is accurate and complete.
Tip 6: Use “and” to Separate Names
When listing multiple creators, use “and” to separate the names. For example: Coen, Joel, and Coen, Ethan.
Tip 7: Include the Title of the Film
The title of the film is an essential part of the citation, as it helps to identify the specific work being referenced. The title should be listed in title case, with major words capitalized.
Tip 8: Use the Distributor’s Name
The distributor’s name is an essential part of the citation, as it helps to identify the specific version of the film being referenced. The distributor’s name should be listed after the title of the film.
Citing Film Sources with No Director
Sometimes, a film may not have a director listed, or the director may be unknown. In these cases, it’s essential to use a different format for the citation. The basic format for citing a film with no director is as follows: Title of Film. Distributor, Year of Release. For example: The Cabin in the Woods. Lionsgate, 2012.
Tip 9: Omit the Director’s Name
When citing a film with no director, omit the director’s name from the citation. Instead, list the title of the film, followed by the distributor’s name and the year of release.
Tip 10: Use the Title of the Film as the Main Entry
When citing a film with no director, use the title of the film as the main entry in the citation. This helps to ensure that the citation is accurate and complete.
Tip 11: Include the Distributor’s Name
The distributor’s name is an essential part of the citation, as it helps to identify the specific version of the film being referenced. The distributor’s name should be listed after the title of the film.
Tip 12: Use the Year of Release
The year of release is an important part of the citation, as it helps to identify the specific version of the film being referenced. The year of release should be listed after the distributor’s name.
What is the basic format for citing a film in MLA?
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The basic format for citing a film in MLA is: Director’s Last Name, First Name, director. Title of Film, Distributor, Year of Release.
How do I cite a film with multiple creators?
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When citing a film with multiple creators, include all the relevant names in the citation, separated by “and”. For example: Coen, Joel, and Coen, Ethan, directors. No Country for Old Men, Miramax Films, 2007.
What if the film has no director listed?
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When citing a film with no director, omit the director’s name and use the title of the film as the main entry. For example: The Cabin in the Woods. Lionsgate, 2012.
