NOTICE TO ALL INCOMING FRESHMAN (updated July 6, 2010)
   
One of the most important tools in filmmaking today is the computer. From the script stage, through pre-production planning, and for picture and sound editing, computer skills are essential to success. The University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking has developed a partnership with both Apple Computer, Inc. and Final Draft, Inc. to provide students with the best technology at the best prices available.

UNCSA School of Filmmaking requires incoming students to purchase four items: 1) MacBook Pro computer, 2) Applecare warranty (to keep your computer working), 3) Final Cut Studio software bundle for editing, DVD creation, motion graphics and soundtrack work, and 4) Final Draft screenwriting software.
 
To ease the financial strain a little, we have special educational discount prices on Apple products and Final Draft software!

MacBook Pro Computers and Applecare are available at the Apple Store for Education through a link below. A super discounted Final Cut Pro Studio Software is available through a separate link to the UNC Chapel Hill bookstore, link below. Final Draft Software is available directly from Final Draft, through a link below.

Apple MacBook Pro (with Applecare warranty) Purchase Requirement

Each incoming freshman is required to purchase an Apple MacBook Pro (unless a severe financial constraint absolutely will not allow). The 15" size is recommended to allow more window space for editing. The less expensive 13" MacBook can be used, but it is not optimal for Post Production.

Video files use lots of hard drive space, and hard drives can fail. It is highly recommended that all incoming freshmen purchase an external hard drive, with Firewire interface, for editing and backup purposes. This is not required.

If you are faculty/staff or an already enrolled student and have your campus email, please use these links:

Apple Store - Student, Staff and Faculty Access

If you are an incoming student and do not yet have your campus email, use the following link:
 
Apple store without a student ID

Once you have entered our custom online Apple Store, select a MacBook Pro portable computer, then select any special options to customize your computer (or accept the pre-configured system, perfectly adequate for your work at UNCSA Film). Be sure and add AppleCare warranty to your checkout cart at the Apple Store!

Final Cut Studio Software Purchase Requirement

The MacBook Pros and MacBooks are NOT pre-bundled with screenwriting or editing software. You will need additional software: Final Cut Studio (Apple Computer) and Final Draft (from Final Draft, Inc., separate link below).
 
Final Cut Software WITHOUT an educational discount is $999. The advantage of the NON-ACADEMIC version is that you can upgrade at a discount price when a new version of the software is released in the future.

The ACADEMIC version Final Cut Studio is NOT ELIGIBLE FOR UPGRADES. You can purchase an Academic Version at the Apple Store for Education ($899) when you purchase your computer. However, we have arranged an additional discount through the UNC Chapel Hill Bookstore link below ($299 plus shipping).  UNC Chapel Hill Bookstore has received a list of incoming freshmen, and to get a discount you must be on that list. Click the following link to make a separate purchase of Final Cut Studio Academic from the UNC Chapel Hill Bookstore site:

Final Cut Studio through UNC Chapel Hill Bookstore

In the box which requests "UNC PID Number (or indicate school affiliation):" enter "UNCSA School of Filmmaking"

The UNCSA School of Filmmaking requires all incoming freshman to purchase Final Draft Screenwriting software. You can purchase this software for an educational discount of $129 from this link: http://www.finaldraft.com/solutions/educational.php From September 10, 2010 to September 31, 2010, we will have a special code to purchase Final Draft for $109. To order between September 10 through September 31, you may get the code from the Post Production Department, then purchase from the following link: http://www.finaldraft.com/specials Please email Steven Gonzales for the Final Draft password (remember: Final Draft password only works Sept. 10 to Sept. 31, 2010), questions about our online Apple Store or any other questions you may have about required purchases.