FOR-A America Taps Kanemura As President

FOR-A Corp. of America today appointed industry veteran Satoshi Kanemura president of the company. He joins FOR-A America from Sony Electronics where he was vice president of professional products and solutions. Former FOR-A America President, Ken Truong, has become chief technology officer.

During his 35-year career at Sony, Kanemura was instrumental in the development of several, new business initiatives, including the world’s first 1080/60P live production system, 4K/8K and cloud-based production solutions, as well as Sony’s deep expansion into digital cinematography.

While at Sony, he collaborated with director George Lucas on the first fully digital feature series, Star Wars: Episode II & III and with director James Cameron on the fully 3D digital feature series, Avatar and Avatar 2 & 3. Kanemura was also head of Sony’s Digital Motion Picture Center, which served as a focal point for the Hollywood community looking for hands-on experience with new technologies. He also led Sony’s U.S. efforts into xR virtual reality production, immersive education solutions, and AI-based edge computing technology.

In his new role with FOR-A America, Kanemura will spearhead the company’s growth into new and existing markets, such as remote and live event production, distance learning, and worship applications.

He said: “During the past year as broadcasters, the film industry, education and houses of worship have been challenged to move to a ‘new normal’ including remote, immersive, and cloud operations, the technology provided by FOR-A Co. has been a key component of many successful productions and events. FOR-A’s strong team and leading products position the company to continue its growth in North and South America. I’m excited to be taking over the leadership of FOR-A America at this pivotal time.”

The company’s products support 4K and 8K, 12G-SDI, HDR and video-over-IP workflows. FOR-A recently deployed a single link 12G infrastructure built around its equipment at the New World Symphony in Miami, and its range of digital switchers has provided the flexibility needed by small and large live event producers across the U.S. to pivot to alternative programming during the past year’s COVID-19 restrictions.

FOR-A has also been providing Japanese television broadcasters’ 8K technology for the past two years and will be doing so for the rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Summer Games in August. FOR-A has been awarded three Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards.

“Mr. Kanemura’s deep relationships and knowledge of what the Hollywood community, broadcasters and live event producers are looking for right now will prove invaluable to FOR-A’s growth in the Americas,” said FOR-A Corp. President and Representative Director Katsuaki Kiyohara. “We’re thrilled to have him leading our efforts. He is an ideal fit for this position, particularly as we begin to face new business realities in our industry after the pandemic.”