After 18 years as Freelance Videographer am paradigm shifting from being :
1) Sub contracted
2) Shoot/Edit
3) Get paid

to…

1) Client/Potential Client interface
2) Interviewer
3) Proposal writer
4) Shoot scheduler
5) Responsible for Pre,Prod,Post
6) Shooter/Editor
7) Invoicer
8) Get paid

To all you Vid Prod. Owners you know there are many other steps as well.

The shift to direct Client contact is very uncomfortable and am really struggling what to ask in first interview.

My question is Do any of you have a template of questions you ask a potential Client no matter what the project so you can laser in on what they are needing ?

Template? there is none.

Everybody figures out what the client is after through conversation. That is all you can do. Make notes, make a contract based on what has been agreed and go from there. Make sure you stick to what you promise and deliver in the time frame stated and you should have happy customers.