Writing references

Audio-Visual Sources

The huge variety of audio-visual materials makes it almost impossible to set a universal standard by which one can reference them. The key thing is to remember that the purpose of a reference is to allow someone else to find your source and check it for themselves. Therefore, your reference should include enough information to allow them to do this. If you use something that is not included on this list the information given here should give you a good idea of what is needed and should help you to write sensible and effective references.

Television programmes:

Give the title of the programme in italics, the year of publication in round brackets, the name of the channel, the date of transmission. eg:

Big Brother (2009) Channel 4, 4th June 2009.

Radio programmes:

Exactly the same as for television; give the title of the programme in italics, the year of publication in round brackets, the name of the radio station, the date of transmission. eg:

Today in Parliament (2009) BBC Radio 4, 4th June 2009.

Audiocassettes:

Give the name of the author if it can easily be indentified otherwise use the title, the year of publication in round brackets, the title of the recording in italics, the word "audiocassette" in square brackets, the place of publication, the publisher.eg:

It's your choice; selection skills for managers (2007) [Audiocassette]. London: Video Arts.

Audio CDs:

Give the name of the artist or performer, the year of production in round brackets, the title of the album in italics, the abbreviation"CD" in square brackets, place of production, production campany. eg:

The Automatic (2009) Not Accepted Anywhere [CD]. London: Polydor.

Films or Movies:

Give the title of the film in italics, the year of distribution in round brackets, the name of the director, the medium in square brackets, the place of distribution, the distribution company. eg:

The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1919) directed by Robert Wiene [Film]. Berlin: Decla-Bisocop.

Videocassettes:

Give the title of the film or programme in italics, the year of distribution in round brackets, the name of the Director, the word "videocassette" in square brackets, the place of distribution, the name of the distribution company. eg:

The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1998) directed by Robert Wiene [Videocassette]. London: Redemption Films.

DVDs:

Give the title of the film or programme in italics, the year of distribution in round brackets, the name of the director, the abbreviation "DVD"in square brackets, the place of distribution, the name of the distribution comapny. eg:

Wallace and Gromit; the curse of the were-rabbit (2009) Directed by Nick Park [DVD]. London: Aardman Animations.

Photographs and Slides:

Give the name of the photographer, the year the photograph was taken in round brackets, the title of the photrograph in italics, the word "photograph" or "slide" in square brackets, the place of publication, the name of the publisher. eg:

Christopher Makepeace (2003) Arndale Centre Redevlopment [Photograph]. Manchester: Manchester City Council.

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