We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fitch Jean a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Fitch thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

I owe a great deal of who I am today to the work ethic and values my parents instilled in me. They are two of the most respectable people I know—hardworking, resilient, and determined to succeed. Their journey profoundly shaped my outlook on life and how I approach my career, particularly running Lenz Films.

When my family moved to a new country, I was only four years old, and my sister was just one. My parents, already full-grown adults, found themselves in an unfamiliar place with no support system. Despite not knowing the landscape, the language, or even how to handle their first winter, they immediately enrolled in school, worked full-time, and took care of us. It’s something I admire deeply because, truthfully, I don’t know if I could have done the same in their position.

From them, I learned that life isn’t handed to you—you have to go out and get it. This ability to thrive in uncomfortable situations is something I’ve carried into my professional life. Whether navigating the challenges of a new business venture or stepping into uncharted creative territory, the lesson remains the same: sometimes, you’re in a new or difficult situation, but you have no choice. You have to figure it out. For my parents, failure wasn’t an option because they had two young kids depending on them. In the same way, my business depends on me. This drive to succeed, no matter the odds, is something I apply every day.

Another significant value my parents instilled in me was the importance of education—not just formal education, but the pursuit of lifelong learning. My father, for instance, was always seeking knowledge. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and pursued a PhD, but beyond that, he was constantly reading. Our house was filled with books—so many that the library overflowed onto shelves and tabletops. He didn’t buy books for decoration; he truly loved learning, whether it was through documentaries, courses, or books. This thirst for knowledge is something I carry with me today, constantly seeking ways to improve and expand my understanding in whatever field I’m in.

My mother, on the other hand, taught me the value of nurturing. She wasn’t just caring—she paid attention to the little details, the small acts of kindness that make a big difference. She took care of our family in a way that went beyond just meeting our basic needs; she taught me the importance of being a person others can rely on, someone who listens and cares. And while these might not seem like typical business traits, they absolutely are. Being a good human being, someone who cares about others, goes a long way in any field. It’s why people want to work with you—because they know you genuinely care.

These qualities—hard work, the pursuit of knowledge, and a nurturing spirit—are the foundation of everything I do today. Whether it’s running my business or interacting with others, I carry these lessons with me, always striving to uphold the values my parents instilled in me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Fitch Jean, and I’m a filmmaker and storyteller based in Ottawa, Canada. I’m also the head of production and development at Lenz Films, a film production company that I started with my business partner Weggon Allen with the goal of telling compelling stories and creating high-quality content that resonates with audiences on a deeper level. My journey into filmmaking began when I was young, with a fascination for stories and visual media. Growing up, I was always captivated by films like The Lion King and early photography, and by the time I was 13, I had already written a novel. That passion evolved over the years as I explored photography and eventually transitioned into filmmaking.
At Lenz Films, we specialize in two main areas: commercial production and film production. On the commercial side, we create video content for businesses, non-profits, universities, and government agencies. Our work ranges from corporate videos and brand storytelling to commercials and documentaries. We focus on delivering content that not only meets the client’s needs but also elevates their brand by telling a story that connects with their audience on a deeper level. In a market where video content is everywhere, we aim to create something that stands out by being authentic, engaging, and visually striking.
On the film side, we produce projects that reflect our passion for storytelling, particularly those that elevate unheard voices. I’ve directed and produced short films, music videos, web series, and a feature film. Our latest focus is on narrative-driven content, including dramas, thrillers, and mysteries. A big part of what sets Lenz Films apart is our emphasis on creating films with purpose—projects that aren’t just entertaining but also have something meaningful to say.
What truly sets us apart is the personal attention we give to every project. As someone who has experienced the ups and downs of running a business, I understand the importance of building trust and genuinely caring for the people you work with. I’ve learned this from my parents and I apply it to every aspect of Lenz Films. We don’t just aim to deliver a service—we aim to be partners with our clients, understanding their vision and helping them achieve it with the best possible outcome.
One of the challenges we help our clients solve is making their brand or message memorable. In today’s world, it’s easy for content to get lost in the noise. Our job is to make sure that doesn’t happen. We work closely with clients to ensure the content we create resonates with their audience and leaves a lasting impact. Whether it’s a documentary that highlights their work or a corporate video that tells their story, we put everything into making it both visually stunning and emotionally powerful.
As a filmmaker, one of the things I’m most proud of is the impact our films have had. I’ve directed five short films, a feature, and various commercial projects, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. My feature film It Comes in Waves is a project that stands out because it was a major leap for me, and seeing it get distributed in Canada by Mongrel Media was a huge accomplishment. It’s proof that with hard work and dedication, you can take an idea from concept to a finished product that connects with audiences.
The main thing I want people to know about Lenz Films is that we’re not just here to produce content—we’re here to tell stories that matter. Whether it’s a brand’s message, a non-profit’s mission, or a film that explores deep themes, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire, motivate, and connect people. We aim to deliver work that not only meets expectations but exceeds them, with a commitment to quality, integrity, and collaboration.
As we continue to grow, I’m excited about the future. I have big dreams for both myself and Lenz Films—to keep pushing the boundaries of storytelling, to become one of the top production companies in the world, and to leave a lasting legacy through the work we do.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots I’ve had to make in my career came when I shifted the focus of my company, Lenz Films. When I first entered the production business with my business partner, Weggon, we started with Lenz Studio—a physical space where people could rent the studio for different purposes. As we grew deeper into the industry, we expanded by launching Lenz Rental, a film equipment rental business, and Lenz Films, our production company focused on film and commercial work.

At the start, our vision was clear: we wanted Lenz Studio and Lenz Rental to become cash-flowing businesses that would support us financially, allowing us to focus more on film production. It seemed like the perfect plan—use these side businesses to fuel our passion projects. But as time went on, a couple of key challenges emerged.

First, we realized that both Lenz Studio and Lenz Rental were full-fledged businesses that demanded significant attention. They weren’t just side ventures we could run in the background—they needed day-to-day management, marketing, and constant oversight. This quickly became overwhelming.

Second, these businesses were heavily dependent on factors outside of our control. In Ottawa, both the studio and equipment rental markets were limited, and our success was often tied to whether other filmmakers in the city were actively shooting. If they weren’t, we were left at the mercy of those external circumstances.

This was further exacerbated when the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes happened in the film industry. While the strikes didn’t directly affect our production, since we weren’t shooting with union talent, they impacted the production companies that were renting our gear. These companies were working with SAG talent and WGA writers, and once the strike hit, their productions came to a halt. This led to them no longer renting from us, which deeply impacted our rental income. It made me think—do I want to be in a situation where I’m at the mercy of external events like this?

That’s when I took a step back and asked myself: “Why did I get into this industry in the first place?” The answer was simple: I wanted to make films. I wanted to create powerful, meaningful projects and build a business that provided opportunities for others to tell their stories. Once I realigned with that purpose, the path became clearer.

We made the tough decision to pivot away from Lenz Studio and scaled down Lenz Rental. While we still own the equipment and rent it out occasionally, we decided to shift our full focus back to production—both on the commercial and film sides. This was a difficult choice, but I firmly believe it was the right one. By focusing entirely on what we’re most passionate about—producing and creating—we’re able to channel all our energy into delivering the best possible work.

In the long run, having this singular focus will yield better results, and I’m confident this pivot will lead to even greater success for Lenz Films. Sometimes, it takes stepping back, reevaluating, and making a tough decision to get back on track with what truly drives you.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a mix of networking, delivering high-quality work, and providing excellent customer service. Over the years, I’ve attended more than 10 film festivals and 3 film markets, where I’ve connected with buyers, producers, and distributors. I’ve also participated in tech conferences, which have allowed me to meet with business owners looking for video production services. These events have been invaluable for making connections and expanding my network within the industry.

What really sets Lenz Films apart and helps us grow is the quality and authenticity of our work. People can’t be fooled by subpar work—quality always stands out. I make sure that every project we produce reflects the highest standards, and that’s something clients notice. It’s a big reason why we get repeat business and referrals. Word of mouth has been a crucial factor, as satisfied clients often recommend us to others.

Additionally, nurturing relationships with our collaborators is essential. I place a lot of value on customer service, making sure that we take care of our clients throughout the entire production process. Building and maintaining those relationships is key to our growth. By consistently delivering great results and treating clients well, we’ve been able to grow steadily and create a reputation that speaks for itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lenzfilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenz.films/
• Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/lenzfilms
• Other: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/fitch-jean-014715174

Image Credits

Photographer – Kerbens Boisette