How do I cite a movie or documentary in Chicago Style?
Answer
- Chicago requires a full footnote the first time that a work is referenced, and a shortened note for each subsequent reference to the same work.
- Documentaries are cited based upon their format and mode of access, just as any other film.
- Specific scenes can be cited in footnotes, but Chicago recommends that scene titles should really only come from the source such as a DVD chapter. The bibliography should contain citations to the entire film.
- Examples below include citations for both physical and streaming media.
Footnote:
Film with Scene Indicated on DVD
- “Scene Title (optional),” Title of Film, directed by First Name Last Name. (Original Release Year; City: Studio/ Distribution Company), Medium.
- “The Passing of the Elves,” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, directed by Peter Jackson. (2001; New Line Cinema), DVD.
Shortened Footnote
- Shortened Title of Film, Last Name.
- Fellowship of the Ring, Jackson.
Film without Scene Indicated on Streaming Service
- “Specific Scene Indicator (optional),” Title of Film, directed by Firstname Lastname. (Original Release Year; Studio/ Distribution Company), Name of Streaming Service.
- A Wrinkle in Time, directed by Ava DuVernay. (2018; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures), Netflix.
Bibliography:
Film on DVD
Director's Last Name, First Name, dir. Title of Film. Original Release Year; Studio/Distribution Company, DVD Release Year [if different from original release]. Medium.
Jackson, Peter, dir. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. 2001, New Line Cinema, New Line Home Entertainment 2002. DVD.
Film on Streaming Service
Director's Last Name, First Name, dir. Title of Film. Original Release Year; Studio/Distribution Company. Name of Streaming Service.
Duvernay, Ava, dir. A Wrinkle in Time. 2018; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Netflix.
If you need further help, contact a librarian
This question has been updated to the 18th edition of Chicago Style.
If you are using 17th edition, see this Library Handout, Purdue OWL, or contact a librarian.