Citing a Netflix Documentary: A Guide
Introduction
Netflix documentaries have become increasingly popular over the years, offering a unique blend of entertainment, education, and social commentary. However, as with any academic or professional work, proper citation is essential to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the creators and contributors of these documentaries. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite a Netflix documentary.
Understanding the Citation Style
Netflix documentaries are typically produced by the streaming service itself, and as such, they do not follow traditional academic citation styles. However, there are some general guidelines that can be applied to most documentaries. Here are some key points to consider:
- Netflix Original Documentaries: These documentaries are produced by Netflix and are typically available for free on the platform. In this case, the citation style is not specified, but it is generally recommended to use the Netflix style, which is outlined below.
- Netflix Documentaries with a Third-Party Producer: In some cases, Netflix may partner with a third-party producer to create a documentary. In this case, the citation style may be different from the Netflix style.
Citing a Netflix Documentary
Here are some general guidelines for citing a Netflix documentary:
- Netflix Original Documentaries: If the documentary is an original production by Netflix, the citation style is as follows:
- Title: Netflix Documentary Title
- Year: Year of release
- Production Company: Netflix
- Director: Director’s name (if applicable)
- Starring: List of main cast members (if applicable)
- Synopsis: Brief summary of the documentary
- Netflix Documentaries with a Third-Party Producer: If the documentary is a production with a third-party producer, the citation style may be different. For example:
- Title: Netflix Documentary Title
- Year: Year of release
- Production Company: Third-party producer (e.g. "Netflix Original Documentary")
- Director: Director’s name (if applicable)
- Starring: List of main cast members (if applicable)
- Synopsis: Brief summary of the documentary
Additional Tips
- Use the Netflix Style: The Netflix style is widely used and accepted, and it provides a clear and concise way to cite a Netflix documentary.
- Be Consistent: Make sure to use the same citation style throughout your work to avoid confusion.
- Use Proper Credits: If the documentary includes credits, such as interviews or behind-the-scenes footage, be sure to include them in your citation.
Example Citations
Here are some example citations for Netflix documentaries:
- Netflix Original Documentary
- Title: "The Keepers"
- Year: 2017
- Production Company: Netflix
- Director: Peter Doherty
- Starring: The Keepers team
- Synopsis: A documentary series exploring the unsolved murder of a nun in Baltimore.
- Netflix Documentary with a Third-Party Producer
- Title: "The Last Dance"
- Year: 2020
- Production Company: ESPN
- Director: Jason Hehir
- Starring: Michael Jordan and LeBron James
- Synopsis: A documentary series exploring the final season of Michael Jordan’s NBA career.
Conclusion
Citing a Netflix documentary can be a bit more complex than citing a traditional academic or professional work, but with the right guidelines and examples, it can be done easily and accurately. By following the Netflix style and using proper credits, you can ensure that your work is properly cited and that you give credit to the creators and contributors of these documentaries.