Letterboxd thrives on its extensive, user-maintained database of films. Adding movies accurately and promptly is crucial for maintaining the platform’s integrity and allowing users to easily log, review, and share their cinematic experiences. This guide will provide a comprehensive understanding of how to contribute to Letterboxd’s vast catalog and ensure your favorite (and least favorite) films are properly represented.
Understanding the Letterboxd Database and Its Importance
Letterboxd’s strength lies in its collaborative nature. Each user has the potential to contribute to the database, making it a continuously evolving resource. Accurate film entries are essential for several reasons:
- Precise Logging: Users rely on accurate information to log films they’ve watched, providing an accurate record of their viewing history.
- Effective Searching: Correct titles, release years, and other details ensure that films can be easily found within the platform.
- Film Discovery: Properly tagged and detailed entries allow users to discover new films based on genre, cast, crew, and other criteria.
- Community Discussions: Accurate film entries facilitate informed discussions and reviews within the Letterboxd community.
- Preserving Film History: Letterboxd acts as a valuable archive of film data, contributing to the preservation of cinematic history.
In essence, contributing to the Letterboxd database is contributing to the collective cinematic knowledge of the community. Ensuring accuracy and completeness is paramount.
Adding a Movie to Letterboxd: Step-by-Step
If a film is missing from the Letterboxd database, adding it is a straightforward process:
- Search Thoroughly: Before adding a movie, use the search bar to ensure it doesn’t already exist. Try different variations of the title, including alternative titles and original language titles. Pay attention to release years as well.
- Access the Add a Movie Form: If the film is truly missing, scroll to the bottom of the search results page. You’ll find a link that says something like, “Couldn’t find it? Add it to Letterboxd.” Click this link to access the movie submission form. Alternatively, if you’re on the website, look for the “+ Add Movie” button typically found on the menu bar. On the app, there’s usually a similar “+” button at the bottom of the screen when you search for a movie that doesn’t exist.
- Fill Out the Form: The form requires specific information about the film. The most important fields are:
- Title: Use the film’s original title whenever possible. If the film has different titles in different regions, you can add these as alternative titles later.
- Year: Enter the film’s year of release.
- Release Date: While not always required, providing the specific release date (especially for films with limited releases) can improve accuracy.
- Language: Select the film’s original language.
- Genres: Choose appropriate genres from the provided list.
- Country of Origin: Select the country or countries where the film was produced.
- Submit the Form: Once you’ve completed the form, review all the information to ensure its accuracy and click the “Submit” button.
It’s important to note that all submissions are subject to review by Letterboxd staff or dedicated moderators. This ensures that the database remains accurate and free from errors.
Best Practices for Adding Movies
To ensure your movie submissions are approved quickly and contribute positively to the Letterboxd database, follow these best practices:
- Prioritize Accuracy: Double-check all information before submitting. Use reliable sources like IMDb, TMDb (The Movie Database), and official film websites.
- Use Original Titles: Whenever possible, use the film’s original title in its original language. This is especially important for foreign films.
- Include Release Dates: Providing the specific release date, if available, helps to differentiate between films with similar titles or remakes.
- Choose Appropriate Genres: Select genres that accurately reflect the film’s content and style. Avoid overly broad or inaccurate genre classifications.
- Avoid Personal Opinions: The movie submission form is for factual information only. Do not include personal opinions or reviews in the submission.
- Check for Duplicates: Before submitting, perform a thorough search to ensure that the film doesn’t already exist under a slightly different title.
- Be Patient: Movie submissions are reviewed by Letterboxd staff or moderators. The review process may take some time, so be patient.
FAQs: Adding Movies to Letterboxd
Here are some frequently asked questions about adding movies to Letterboxd:
H3 1. How long does it take for a movie I add to be approved?
The review time for movie submissions can vary. It depends on the volume of submissions and the availability of reviewers. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If your submission is particularly obscure or lacks sufficient information, it might take longer.
H3 2. Can I add TV shows or documentaries?
Yes, you can add documentaries, but TV shows are generally not allowed. Letterboxd primarily focuses on feature-length films. There are exceptions for some longer-form documentaries that are treated as feature films.
H3 3. What if I make a mistake when adding a movie?
If you realize you’ve made a mistake after submitting a movie, you can contact Letterboxd support through their help center. Provide details about the error and the correct information. They will review your request and make the necessary corrections.
H3 4. Can I add alternative titles or release dates after a movie is added?
Yes, once a movie is added to the database, users with sufficient permissions can add alternative titles, release dates in different regions, and other relevant information. You can usually find an “Edit” button or similar option on the movie’s page to suggest changes.
H3 5. What if a movie I added is rejected?
If your movie submission is rejected, Letterboxd will usually provide a reason. Common reasons include: the movie already exists in the database, the information provided was inaccurate, or the movie does not meet Letterboxd’s criteria for inclusion. Review the reason for rejection and try again with more accurate information or consider if the film truly belongs on the platform.
H3 6. How do I add cast and crew information to a movie?
Cast and crew information is typically added after a movie has been approved. Look for an “Edit” button or similar option on the movie’s page. You’ll be able to add cast members, directors, writers, and other crew members, associating them with the film.
H3 7. What if I can’t find the correct genres for a movie?
Letterboxd has a predefined list of genres. If you can’t find the perfect genre, choose the closest and most relevant options. You can also suggest new genres to Letterboxd through their feedback channels.
H3 8. Can I add short films to Letterboxd?
Yes, you can add short films to Letterboxd, as long as they meet certain criteria. Generally, short films should have received some level of recognition or distribution, such as being screened at film festivals or released online.
H3 9. What if I find incorrect information on a movie page?
If you find incorrect information on a movie page, you can usually suggest edits. Look for an “Edit” button or a similar option. Provide the correct information and a source to support your correction.
H3 10. Is there a limit to how many movies I can add per day?
Letterboxd doesn’t typically have a strict limit on the number of movies you can add per day. However, excessive or spammy submissions may be flagged by the system. Focus on quality and accuracy over quantity.
H3 11. Can I add a movie that hasn’t been released yet?
Generally, you should wait until a movie has been released before adding it to Letterboxd. This ensures that accurate release dates and other information are available.
H3 12. How do I become a trusted editor on Letterboxd?
Becoming a trusted editor on Letterboxd typically involves contributing consistently and accurately to the database over time. Letterboxd staff and moderators may grant elevated permissions to users who have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining the platform’s data quality. There is no formal application process.
By following these guidelines and best practices, you can contribute to the growth and accuracy of the Letterboxd database, enhancing the experience for all users and preserving cinematic history for future generations.