[BrainCore]

There is no way of telling which software you used if you don't use the default renderer. Mental Ray, Renderman, etc... have separate connection programs to convert maya files, max files, etc... to the renderers format. Unless they ask for the source files, you're safe. Then again, I don't know why anyone would want to use another software package for modeling, except maybe Maya's NURBS. 3dsmax is pretty overall for modelig, and its subdivision modeling features are close enough to Mayas. BTW, Mark: Maya also has different interpolations...

I'd say the only time 3rd party software comes in is for textures(Photoshop), compositing/editing(Premiere/Combustion), and 3dsmax plug-ins. Would they care if we used Brazil? Vray? Shaghair? Those things are very noticeable. Would we get disqualified? I don't think Photoshop or Premiere will pose a problem since they have never asked about it in previous years and will probably not notice it during the animation.