How should one format when citing a movie or TV series?

Citations for movies and television series require adherence to a specific citation style manual (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and depend on the format accessed (e.g., physical media, streaming service). The core elements generally include the title, director, contributors, distributor, year of release, and platform if streamed. Critical considerations involve correctly identifying primary contributors (director, performers), the original release year, and the distributor (studio or network). For streaming services, identify the platform name and potential URL. Always italicize the main title of the film or series; episode titles within a series appear in quotation marks. Precise formatting details—such as punctuation, order, and element inclusion—differ significantly between style guides and the source medium. To implement this, identify the required citation style. Next, collect all necessary information: title, director, key performers, distributor/platform, release year, and specific URL or location if relevant. Finally, meticulously follow the formatting rules detailed in the relevant style guide for a movie or series citation, ensuring consistency throughout the document. This standardized approach guarantees proper attribution and scholarly integrity.