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, Video release year), Medium.
- “The Passing of the Elves,” The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, directed by Peter Jackson. (2001; Burbank, CA: New Line Cinema/ WingNut Films/New Line Home Entertainment, 2002), 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; City: Studio/ Distribution Company), Name of Streaming Service.
- A Wrinkle in Time, directed by Ava DuVernay. (2018; Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures), Netflix.
Bibliography:
Film on DVD
Director's Last Name, First Name, dir. Title of Film. Original Release Year; City: 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; Burbank, CA: New Line Cinema/ WingNut Films, New Line Home Entertainment 2002, DVD.
Film on Streaming Service
Director's Last Name, First Name, dir. Title of Film. Original Release Year; City: Studio/Distribution Company. Name of Streaming Service.
Duvernay, Ava, dir. A Wrinkle in Time. 2018; Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Netflix.
If you need further help, contact a librarian