[stevek]

For the last few years - Ever since peer Judging was introduced, Autodesk has been sending extra animations to the Finals (non-regional-winners). In year number one of Peer Judging, the rule was winner and runner-up, in addition to those people they sent more. This year was the first year that they actually did it legally-- Meaning they put it in the rules.

I always stated that it was the right thing to do, because a tough competition in one regional and weak competition in another regional will result in weak animations winning weak regionals and possible 2 or 3 good runner-ups from a strong regional (animation competition wise) being out of the mix at the Championships. I am just a stickler for the rules- otherwise, dont have rules!

If you take a look at the rules, its all there... this year!

Also- The Professional/Final Round Judging are supposed to judge by the same criteria as the peer judging. But some times I don't know what they are actually looking at. No offence- Lots of people feel that way year after year. A couple years ago the team didn't even have animation for most of their submission and presto- they won! Go figure.