Boolean objects are implemented as separate objects in maya, you can make one by pressing the boolean object button in the maya toolbar(see below)
We implemented them in the maya plugin like this (as opposed to having a boolean dropdown in the maxwell render tab) because this way we can show a viewport preview of the cutting area.
I'm having a difficulty where any single frame I launch from Maya has the boolean object working fine, but if I batch render from Maya the boolean object no longer has an effect.
Can I do this from Maya? Or do I have to use Studio, or something else?