Founded by Joanne Ninomiya in 1981, JN Productions, Inc. is a full-service media production house specializing in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean media services for clients around the world.

Over the years, Ninomiya and her staff have been awarded numerous accolades in the industry, always keeping up-to-date on the latest technologies, equipment and trends in the market. Today, the company’s customer base includes many national and international clients as the crew travels throughout Asia and the Pacific region producing videos.

In addition, JN Production’s translation department has flourished, primarily in the area of translating Japanese anime and manga (comic books) for the U.S. market. Other subtitle and voice over projects have been entered into prestigious competitions such as the Peabody Awards, Emmys and Cannes Film Festival. The company also produces the popular DVD box sets for Kikaida and Kamen Rider V3.

JN Production’s continued growth and success in this fast-paced industry is due largely in part to the company’s president and visionary, Ninomiya, who started her career in the programming and promotion department of the original KIKU TV in the late ‘60s.

The limited staff at the station during those early days allowed her the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of operating a television station. She later became general manager and stayed on until the station was sold in 1981. Ninomiya created JN Productions so that she could continue to do what she knew best: translation, subtitling, broadcasting and video production. She also wanted to continue to do what she loved best — put Japanese programming on TV.

Pacific News Bytes asked Ninomiya to share her thoughts on JN Productions and her role in Hawaii’s high-tech media production industry…

Q: What is the greatest lesson you have learned during your time in this industry?

A: Nothing is permanent. Television broadcast and production is such a volatile field, especially the world of media. Colleagues may remain in the field, but are playing musical chairs all the time. So the lesson I learned was to be able to adapt to change. But it’s a fun industry to be in, so it’s hard to leave it once you enter.

I also learned not to do shabby work. We never cut corners at JN Productions. From day one, the mantra of the company was to do perfect work. Your employees must share in this philosophy, and I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by talented young people.

Q: How has the market in Hawaii changed in the media production field?

A: With the advent of the digital age, I have seen a lot of downsizing of companies. Those that had invested so much in costly analog equipment were suddenly left with dinosaurs. I always gave myself three years to have the equipment pay for itself. (i.e. if I paid $50,000 for a piece of equipment, we’d had to have $50,000 in additional sales to make up for it.)

With digital/Internet technologies, I have seen the emergence of one-man/woman companies. And, so many are working as independent contractors. In the past, almost everyone had an employer and company benefits. Today, you’re on your own.

Q: What are the latest developments in the field that are popular in Hawaii and worldwide?