How do I cite a movie or documentary in APA Style?
Answer
- The Author/ Creator element at the beginning of the citation typically includes the name of the director, followed by the notation “(Director).” Though you can include other creators after the director and include their role in the film in parentheses after their name.
- Provide the production company or companies in the source element of the reference. Separate multiple production companies with a semicolon.
- Documentaries are cited based upon their format and mode of access, just as any other film.
- Examples below include citations for both physical and streaming media.
Film on DVD
Director Last Name, First Initial(s). (Director). (Year, Month and Day, if available). Title of the film [Film]. Studio or Distributor.
DuVernay, A. (Director). (2018, March 9). A wrinkle in time [Film]. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
In-text: (DuVernay, 2018)
Film on a Streaming Service
Director Last Name, First Initial(s). (Director). (Year released, Month and Day). Title of the film [Film]. Streaming Service Name. URL
Lang, W. (1957, May 15). Desk set [Video]. Prime Video. https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.88a9f7ae-7310-f103-880f-58abc207971e?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb
In-text: (Lang, 1957)
If you need further help, contact a librarian