Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Pre-Show Composure
The newscaster arrives at the studio and completes final preparations. The atmosphere is professional and routine as she reviews the snowstorm report details.
Key Events
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Studio Arrival — Newscaster arrives at the studio before the scheduled broadcast.
Location: Television Studio
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Pre-Show Preparation — Final preparations and makeup application before going on air.
Location: Green Room
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Snowstorm Briefing — Reviewing the upcoming snowstorm report details.
Location: Control Room
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Initial Warmth Sensation — First subtle signs of a menopause-related hot flash begin.
Location: Studio Backstage
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Heat Onset — The hot flash intensifies, causing noticeable physical discomfort.
Location: Studio Backstage
The Onset of Heat
A menopause-related hot flash begins, disrupting her physical comfort. She attempts to manage the symptoms backstage while the countdown to air intensifies.
Key Events
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Heat Onset — The hot flash intensifies, causing noticeable physical discomfort.
Location: Studio Backstage
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Wardrobe Adjustment — Attempting to remove layers to cope with rising body temperature.
Location: Studio Backstage
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Countdown Begins — Production crew signals the approaching air time.
Location: Studio Entrance
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Sweat Management — Quickly dabbing sweat while maintaining professional composure.
Location: Studio Entrance
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On-Air Transition — Stepping onto the set as the camera lights activate.
Location: News Desk
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Camera Focus — Direct camera exposure amplifies the physical sensation of heat.
Location: News Desk
On-Air Struggle
Under studio lights and camera focus, the physical discomfort peaks. She maintains professional composure while delivering the live snowstorm report.
Key Events
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Camera Focus — Direct camera exposure amplifies the physical sensation of heat.
Location: News Desk
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Composure Struggle — Internal battle to maintain broadcast professionalism despite discomfort.
Location: News Desk
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Report Delivery — Delivering the snowstorm report while managing physical symptoms.
Location: News Desk
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Visual Overlay — Snowstorm visuals appear on screen alongside the broadcast.
Location: News Desk
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Broadcast Transmission — The segment airs live to the viewing audience.
Location: News Desk
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Segment Conclusion — Finishing the report as the hot flash begins to subside.
Location: News Desk
Broadcast & Aftermath
The segment airs successfully and the hot flash subsides. The film transitions to its festival premiere and award recognition, highlighting its cultural impact.
Key Events
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Segment Conclusion — Finishing the report as the hot flash begins to subside.
Location: News Desk
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Post-Broadcast Relief — Stepping away from the camera brings immediate physical relief.
Location: Studio Backstage
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Festival Premiere — The animated short premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Location: TIFF Screening Room
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Critical Reception — The film wins Best Animated Short at the 9th Canadian Screen Awards.
Location: Award Ceremony
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Cultural Resonance — The film sparks conversations about menopause representation in media.
Location: Public Discourse
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Narrative Closure — The short film concludes, leaving a lasting thematic impact.
Location: Animated Frame
A newscaster is due to go live on local television in the middle of a hot flash, in Thea Hollatz's animated comedy about a woman trying to keep her cool when one type of flash leads to another.
