Exit interviews are a valuable yet often underused tool in the screen industries, where freelance and short-term contracts are the norm. They offer a rare chance to gather honest feedback about what’s working—and what isn’t—on a production, from workplace culture to management practices.

Oftentimes, many crew members move from job to job, which means they don't always have the chance to share their experiences. Having the opportunity to speak with a senior member of staff can help spot recurring issues, improve conditions for future teams, and support a healthier, more respectful working environment across the industry. When done well, exit interviews can drive real change and show a genuine commitment to learning and improving.

By encouraging honest, constructive feedback, exit interviews can highlight patterns that might otherwise be missed, helping productions make meaningful changes. Ultimately, they show that the company values people’s experiences and is committed to creating better, more respectful workplaces moving forward.

ScreenSkills has an excellent Exit Interview Template which is an example of how to conduct an exit interview at the end of a project. It's important to tailor any questions to the specific scenario to ensure the employee or freelancer is given enough scope to address any successes or areas for improvement.