Actions to take
All productions should end with a wash-up meeting.
This is an opportunity for the whole team to share their experiences, and reflect on what has gone well and what can be improved on the next production.
Think about topics you want to cover and ask your team for input about what they’d like to discuss and reflect on.
Communicating effectively during the meeting
When you start your meeting, focus on learning, not blaming – even if there have been difficult experiences.
Be respectful and offer feedback in a kind and constructive manner and give everyone space to speak without judgement.
Ensure anyone who can’t attend the meeting has the opportunity to either share their insights with a trusted member of the team – or give them the option to share via email or anonymously in an online survey.
Be sure to thank everyone for their valuable feedback and summarise key takeaways and actions in a follow-up email.
In the following guide, you can:
- Understand the importance of a wash-up meeting
- See how to plan your wash-up meeting and find agenda ideas
Exit interviews should be short, well-structured discussions at the end of a shoot or production.
Ensure these conversations give people the opportunity to talk about which elements of the working culture, atmosphere and set-up worked for them and what they’d like to see change.
Giving constructive feedback to all crew at the end of a project can really benefit ongoing development.
However, interviews should be optional, and freelancers may have concerns about the process impacting employability, so be patient if take-up is gradual.
In the following guide, you can:
- See what to consider when conducting exit interviews
- Find sample questions that you can include in individual interviews
How to conduct an exit interview
Sometimes crew members feel more vulnerable at the end of a job.
This can be due to factors relating to the project itself, job search anxiety, or not having enough time to assess how they feel until the project has finished.
Some team members may also still be contacted by contributors after filming has ended.
So, remember to continue to offer support for those who have just finished alongside those still working on a project.
Signpost the following sources of support to freelancers either in their exit interview or as they leave the project:
- The Film and TV Charity’s list of mental health and wellbeing resources, which includes a wellbeing check-in quiz as well as details on accessing immediate support.
- The free 24/7 Film and TV Support Line, which offers confidential advice to everyone working behind the scenes in film, TV, and cinema: 0800 054 0000
- If you have an employee assistance programme, share any contacts and details again with your crew shortly before contracts are due to end.
Our case study from Lorna Buchanan, HR Business Partner for STV, highlights:
- The importance of holding exit interviews
- Why the opportunity for crew to express their views when their contract concludes is essential
As we continually review Toolkit content, if you have any suggestions to improve this guide, or any other part of the site, we would love to hear from you.
