Clarification of Animation Rules

[McPhil]

Can we use other Autodesk programs to create objects for our animation and then bring it together into 3DS Max?

[richalex2010]

You are unable to use other 3D programs, like Maya, Mudbox, etc, but I'm not sure about CAD programs.
You are also (according to the consensus in the 3D Animation forum, which is a subset of the IT/Communications forum in the Technical section) able to use third-party post-production software, like Premiere, After Effects, Final Cut, etc. to combine shots, add sound, and (if you rendered in separate passes and/or have extra effects) compositing.

[Mrtrom]

you can only use Autodesk 3ds max

[richalex2010]

For modeling and animation, that is true. Any renderer can be used (scanline or mental ray if your team doesn't like you very much, and V-Ray/Brazil/Renderman if they do), as well as any plugins (Afterburn, Greeble, etc.). Also, any post-production software (Combustion, After Effects, Premiere, Final Cut) can be used, unless they are able to release Combustion in a timely manner (probably too late now, as you would still need to learn the software to use it).

Pretty much, you need to model, animate, and render from 3DS Max. After that, as long as the end product meets specs, anything goes.