Introduction:
Factory Reset is an animated sci-fi short that explores solitude and the dread of determinism. I started this film as a passion project that took me nearly ten years to complete on my own, intermittently returning to it as I moved from adolescence into adulthood.
Inspiration:
The idea for Factory Reset grew out of my reflections on identity and human agency. If identical beings are created with identical programming, are they truly different individuals, or merely repetitions of the same existence? If both an individual and the environment that shapes it remain identical, will events inevitably unfold in the same way? The film is an attempt to let go of my existential crisis about the possibility that we might have no agency over our lives.
The Process:
To establish a distinct visual identity for the film, I developed a hybrid stop-motion technique using paper cutouts layered on sheets of plexiglass. This multi-plane approach creates a sense of depth, which I further enhanced by using papers of varying opacities. The scenes are exclusively backlit to produce a contrasted look that emphasises shapes and geometry. My objective was to combine the tactile quality of stop-motion with a stylised visual language closer to traditional 2D animation, creating an industrial world that feels both tangible and fragile.
Working on this project alone turned out to be a huge challenge as I had to learn many new skills, including sound design and colour grading, but the hardest part was the impossibility of exchanging and confronting ideas with someone else.
What It Means to Be a Finalist:
As an independent filmmaker, being a finalist at the Worcester Film Festival is incredibly rewarding. After spending so much time crafting Factory Reset frame by frame, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my vision with the WIFF audience.
Where to Watch / Follow:
You can follow me on Instagram @ludo.hoffstetter for upcoming behind-the-scenes reels and updates on future projects
About The Author
