How to Cite Images in Films in MLA

MLA style was developed by the Modern Language Association to create a standard method for citing research sources in an essay. The MLA format is most often used when writing papers for humanities courses, especially those in language and literature. MLA style includes rules for citing almost any form of research, including images from films. Citing motion pictures is a matter of knowing such specifics as who made it, when it was made and who performed in it.

Instructions

    • 1

      A works-cited entry for images from a film begins with the title of the motion picture. In MLA style, you may underline or italicize a title. Ask your instructor which he prefers. Place a period at the end of the title.

    • 2

      Understand exceptions to putting the film's title first. If your essay concentrates on the contributions of one person who was involved in the film, begin the citation with that person's name. For example, if you are writing a paper about the acting style of Russell Crowe in one of his films, begin the citation with his name, last name first, followed by "perf." to show that he was a performer. The citation would read: "Crowe, Russell, perf." The name of the film would follow.

    • 3

      Add the director's name after the film's title, first name then last, preceded by "Dir." Place a period after the director's name: For example, "Dir. Frank Capra."

    • 4

      List the distributor after the director. Examples are studios such as MGM, Miramax and RKO. The name of the distributor is followed by a comma.

    • 5

      Note the year of release after the comma. Put a period after the year.

    • 6

      Include any other information important to your paper, for example the film's producer, writer or performers. It is best to include such information if these people are discussed in the essay. Place the additional information after the title of the film and before the name of the distributor. For example, list the producer of the film after the title, followed by the director and then the distributor. Include a descriptor to show the contribution of each person listed. Common descriptors include "perf.," "prod." and "screenplay by."

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