Lorenz grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and moved to Los Angeles to begin his film career in 1989. He has more than 20 films to his credit as an assistant director and joined Eastwood in that capacity in 1994. He has been a member of the Directors Guild of America since 1993 and the Producers Guild of America since 2005. Lorenz met his wife, Melissa, while working together on The Bridges of Madison County. They live in the Los Angeles area with their two children.