If you refer to a film when writing an essay, you’ll need to cite it using the correct referencing style. In this post, we explain how to cite a film in Vancouver referencing.
How to Cite a Film in Vancouver Referencing
Vancouver reference style is also known as number–endnote referencing. In this system, you cite sources using numbers in brackets, each of which points to an entry (or endnote) in the reference list at the end of the document.
Sources are numbered sequentially in the order you first cite them: e.g., the first source you cite will be “1,” the second “2,” and so on. Readers can then check the corresponding entry in the reference list to find the full details. For example:
Awakenings (1) is about neurologist Dr. Malcolm Sayer.
If you refer to the same film more than once, simply use the same number again.
Moreover, if you quote directly from a film, you will need to include a timestamp to pinpoint the exact moment you’ve referred to. The timestamp should appear within the brackets after the endnote number. For example:
The character here speaks about L-Dopa (1: 00:27:16).
This shows the dialogue quoted begins 27 minutes and 16 seconds into the film.
Find this useful?
Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.
Films in a Vancouver Reference List
The standard format for a film in a Vancouver reference list is:
(Citation number) Film Title. [Film] Directed by: Name of Director. Country of Production: Production Company; year.
So our above example would appear like this in the reference list:
(1) Awakenings. [Film] Directed by: Penny Marshall. USA: Lasker/Parkes Productions; 1990.
Expert Vancouver Proofreading
It’s important to remember that Vancouver-style referencing can vary! For example, some versions stipulate using square brackets instead of round ones for endnote numbers, while some use superscript numbers rather than bracketed ones.
If you’re a student, your course materials or university website should tell you which version to use. Or you can check your style guide if you’ve been given one. Whichever version of Vancouver referencing you use, the most important thing is that your citations and references are clear, complete, and consistent.
Our team of proofreaders includes experts in all referencing styles, including Vancouver. You can even upload your first document for free.