Citing films accessed through online databases requires careful attention to detail to accurately credit the creators and guide readers to the source. The key is to blend the core elements of a film citation with the specifics of the online database, ensuring both are represented clearly.
Understanding the Basics of APA Film Citations
Properly citing films in APA format is crucial for academic integrity and allows readers to easily locate the film you referenced. This involves providing key information, including the director, year of release, and the title of the film. When the film is accessed through an online database, such as Kanopy, Netflix, or a university library streaming service, you must also include details about the source.
Core Elements of a Film Citation
The core elements that should be included in a standard APA film citation are:
- Director(s): Begin with the last name, followed by initials, of the director(s).
- Year of Release: Include the year the film was originally released in parentheses.
- Title of the Film: Capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle, along with any proper nouns. Italicize the entire title.
- Medium: Indicate that it is a “Film.”
- Production Company(s): Include the name(s) of the production companies involved.
For example:
Spielberg, S. (1993). Jurassic Park. Film. Amblin Entertainment; Universal Pictures.
Adapting for Online Databases
When the film is accessed from an online database, you need to modify the standard format to include the database information. This typically involves adding a statement about where the film was accessed from. Here’s the general structure:
Director(s), Initial(s). (Year). Title of the film. [Medium]. Production Company(s). Retrieved from Database Name URL
Let’s break down each component in detail:
Constructing the Citation
The construction of an APA citation for a film accessed through an online database can be broken down into several key steps:
Identifying Key Information
Before crafting the citation, gather all necessary information about the film and the database:
- Film Title and Director: Accurately identify the title and director(s).
- Year of Release: Note the original release year of the film.
- Production Companies: Identify the primary production companies involved.
- Database Name: Determine the name of the online database (e.g., Kanopy, Netflix, HBO Max, Alexander Street).
- Specific URL: Find the direct URL for the film within the database. This is critical for readers to directly access the resource. If a permalink or stable URL is available, use that instead of a dynamic URL.
Formatting the Citation
Once you have all the necessary information, follow these steps to format the citation correctly:
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Director(s): Start with the director’s last name, followed by a comma and the first initial. If there are multiple directors, separate them with commas and use an ampersand (&) before the last director’s name.
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Year of Release: Enclose the year of release in parentheses and follow it with a period.
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Title of the Film: Italicize the film’s title, capitalizing only the first word of the title and any proper nouns. Follow the title with a period.
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Medium: Specify the medium as “Film” within square brackets. This distinguishes it from other types of media. Follow with a period.
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Production Company(s): List the production companies. If multiple, separate them with semicolons. Follow with a period.
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Database Information: Add the phrase “Retrieved from” followed by the name of the database.
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URL: Provide the direct URL (or permalink) to the film on the database.
Example:
Nolan, C. (2010). Inception. [Film]. Warner Bros.; Legendary Pictures; Syncopy. Retrieved from HBO Max https://www.hbomax.com/feature/urn:hbo:feature:GXqMP_w99V9VjwwEAAABy
In-Text Citations
Remember to include an in-text citation within your paper whenever you reference the film. The in-text citation consists of the director’s last name and the year of release.
Example:
(Nolan, 2010)
If you are quoting a specific line or scene, you can include a timestamp to help readers locate the relevant portion of the film.
Example:
(Nolan, 2010, 00:25:10)
Specific Examples with Popular Databases
Here are examples of how to cite films from common online databases:
Citing a Film from Netflix
Nolan, C. (2008). The Dark Knight. [Film]. Warner Bros.; DC Comics. Retrieved from Netflix https://www.netflix.com/title/70079586
Citing a Film from Kanopy
Campanella, J. J. (2009). The Secret in Their Eyes. [Film]. Haddock Films; Tornasol Films; 100 Bares Producciones. Retrieved from Kanopy https://www.kanopy.com/product/secret-their-eyes
Citing a Film from a University Library Streaming Service (e.g., Alexander Street)
Allen, W. (1977). Annie Hall. [Film]. United Artists. Retrieved from Alexander Street https://search.alexanderstreet.com/view/work/bibliographicentity%7Cvideowork%7C1793118
Addressing Database Updates and Changes
It’s important to note that URLs can change, and films may be removed from databases. If a URL is no longer valid, try to find an updated link. If the film is no longer available on the database, the citation remains valid, provided it was accurate at the time of access. You can add a note stating “Film no longer available at this URL” or similar if you think it is pertinent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of citing films from online databases in APA format:
FAQ 1: What if a film has multiple directors?
If a film has multiple directors, list all directors in the order they appear in the film’s credits, separated by commas. Use an ampersand (&) before the last director’s name. Example: Scott, R., & Scott, T. (Year). Title.
FAQ 2: What if the director is unknown?
If the director is unknown, begin the citation with the film’s title. In the in-text citation, use the film title (or a shortened version) in place of the director’s name.
FAQ 3: Do I need to include the production country?
No, including the production country is not required in APA format film citations.
FAQ 4: What if I watched the film in a theater?
If you watched the film in a theater and not through an online database, you only need the standard film citation format without the “Retrieved from” and the URL.
FAQ 5: What if the database doesn’t provide a direct URL to the film?
If a direct URL is unavailable, provide the URL to the database’s search page and instruct the reader on how to find the film (e.g., “Search for ‘Film Title'”). A permalink is always preferable.
FAQ 6: How do I cite a specific scene or quote from a film?
Include a timestamp in the in-text citation to indicate the specific point in the film where the scene or quote occurs (e.g., (Director, Year, 00:15:30)). You don’t include this in the full reference list entry.
FAQ 7: What if the film is a documentary?
The citation format remains the same for documentaries as for fiction films.
FAQ 8: What if the film is a television series episode?
For a single episode of a TV series, cite the episode director and title, then the series title. Example: Miller, R. (2011). Winter is Coming. Game of Thrones. HBO.
FAQ 9: Should I include subtitles in the citation?
Only include subtitles in the citation if they are relevant to your analysis or if the original title is in a language other than English.
FAQ 10: What if the film has been remastered or re-released?
Use the original release year in the citation, unless you are specifically analyzing the remastered version. If so, specify the version in brackets after the title (e.g., Title [Remastered version]).
FAQ 11: Are there any differences if I am using APA 6th Edition instead of 7th Edition?
Yes, there are differences. In APA 6th edition, you would include “Motion picture” within square brackets instead of “Film.” Also, the retrieval statement is formatted differently. Consult an APA 6th Edition style guide for complete details.
FAQ 12: How do I cite bonus content or features on a film accessed through a database?
If citing bonus content, provide a description of the content in square brackets after the title, followed by “Film” and the retrieval information. For example: Nolan, C. (2010). Inception [Behind the scenes]. [Film]. Warner Bros.; Legendary Pictures; Syncopy. Retrieved from HBO Max https://www.hbomax.com/feature/urn:hbo:feature:GXqMP_w99V9VjwwEAAABy
By meticulously following these guidelines, you can ensure accurate and complete APA citations for films accessed from online databases, thereby upholding academic integrity and facilitating research.