Citing Film and Media Works in MLA Format: A Guide for Students
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Citing Film and Media Works in MLA Format: A Guide for Students
Citing film and media works can be challenging, especially when it comes to formatting and style. As a student working on an MLA format research paper, it's essential to understand how to properly cite these sources. In this guide, we'll cover the basics of citing film and media works in MLA format, including examples, tips, and best practices.
Understanding Film and Media Works in MLA Format
When citing film and media works, you need to consider the specific type of work, its source, and the medium it's presented on. For example, a movie is different from a TV show or a music video. Here are some key terms to keep in mind:
- Film: Movie, film, or cinema (e.g., "The Shawshank Redemption," 1994)
- Television: Episode of a television series or special (e.g., "The Simpsons," episode "Marge vs. the Monorail")
- Music Video: Single or song from an album (e.g., "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, 1983)
- Web Series: Online serial that is released episodically (e.g., "The Lizzie Bennet Diaries")
Formatting Film and Media Works
When formatting film and media works, you need to include the following elements:
- Author's name (if available)
- Title of the work (in title case)
- Medium (film, TV show, music video, etc.)
- Year of release or publication
Here are some examples of properly formatted citations for film and media works in MLA format:
- "The Matrix" (1999) - Film
- "MAS*H," episode 24, season 11 (1983) - Television
- "Billie Jean," single by Michael Jackson (1983) - Music Video
In-Text Citations for Film and Media Works
In-text citations are used to credit sources within the text of your research paper. Here's how you can format in-text citations for film and media works:
- Single work:
- For a solo filmmaker, use the author's name (e.g., "The Matrix" is directed by the Wachowskis).
- For a TV show or music video with multiple creators, use the first creator's name (e.g., "MAS*H," episode 24, season 11 was written by Larry Gelbart).
- Multiple works:
- If you're citing multiple sources from the same medium, separate them with commas (e.g., "The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings" both directed by the Wachowskis and Peter Jackson).
Citation Examples for Film and Media Works
Here are some more examples of citations for film and media works in MLA format:
| Source | In-Text Citation |
|---|---|
| Movie: "Inception" (2010) | The Matrix is a movie that explores the concept of shared dreaming. (Wachowski, 1999). |
| TV Show: "The Simpsons," episode 24, season 11 (1983) | MAS*H was a popular sitcom during its run in the 1980s. (Gelbart, 1983). |
| Music Video: "Thriller" by Michael Jackson (1983) | The music video for "Thriller" is an iconic example of Jackson's choreography and performance skills. |
Conclusion
Citing film and media works can seem daunting at first, but with practice and the right guidance, you'll become proficient in no time. Remember to consider the specific type of work, its source, and the medium it's presented on when formatting your citations. By following these tips and examples, you'll be able to properly cite film and media works in MLA format for your research paper.