Cite a film in APA 7
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Citation fields
Films raise ownership questions because the director, production company, distributor, and streaming platform can all look like creators. In APA 7 (2020), the director usually anchors the citation, while the studio or distributor identifies the release. Add the film title in italics, the year, the viewing format when relevant, and a URL for streaming copies.
APA 7 rules for a film
- Director is usually the creator in the author position.
- Year is the original release year for the version you watched.
- Film title is italicized.
- Studio or distributor identifies the release.
- Add the format, such as theatrical film or streaming video, and a URL for streaming copies.
- Put the director in the author slot followed by (Director).
Worked example
APA 7 · filmA real film formatted using the APA 7 rules above.
Nolan, C. (2023). Oppenheimer [Film]. *Universal Pictures*. https://www.uphe.com/movies/oppenheimer
Build your own APA 7 reference
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