Cross Cultural Business Solutions
Asia-based expatriate offering legal, strategic, communications, and business development services. I focus on facilitating cross-cultural understanding, managing risk, creating commercial opportunities, and supporting foreigners doing business in Asia. I also mentor startups and small enterprises, drawing on decades of hands-on experience establishing and managing businesses in key global markets.
Backed by a global network of specialized professionals, Insight & Analysis delivers fast, effective connections and sustainable solutions for clients looking to expand their international footprint or mitigate business risks. Whether you’re entering the Asia-Pacific region or are already established here, I&A offers trusted guidance tailored to your goals. I’ve also helped Asia-based companies expand into the U.S. market.
SERVICES
What I do
With a primary focus on creative content industries, I&A offers strategic business and legal advisory services to individuals and companies worldwide.
We work with clients on clearly defined, confidential terms to achieve agreed deliverables in the following areas:
Business Development Strategy
I&A evaluates stakeholders, objectives, and market conditions to set priorities and recommend strategies—ranging from PR and consumer research to government relations and cross-industry alliances. We also structure business arrangements that define mutual commitments and performance expectations.
Liaison and Networking
For companies without a local presence in the Asia-Pacific, Insight & Analysis provides cost-effective, in-market support for entry strategies, IP rights administration, and liaison services. We maintain a global network of professionals to connect you with the right people, monitor progress, and represent your interests to relevant stakeholders.
Brand Enhancement and Risk Mitigation
We can help protect and enhance your brand’s reputation by assessing risks, navigating competing interests, and recommending practical solutions. From liability and compliance to crisis response and dispute resolution, we support your business continuity—or help you exit gracefully if needed.
Business Communications
Need help with correspondence, reports, presentations, or market-specific messaging? I&A can create and refine business and policy communications—including position papers, articles, and internal documents—tailored to your audience and objectives.
Cross Cultural Coordination
We provide strategic insight from a Western perspective on market dynamics and cultural nuances—especially in the media and entertainment sectors. For Asian businesses entering the U.S. market, we bridge cultural gaps, foster alliances, and enhance brand visibility.
Project & Assignments
Whether it’s contract drafting, research, or problem-solving, I&A handles one-time projects with efficiency and care. From data analysis to legal advice and tailored recommendations, we deliver results on your terms.
Additional Qualifications:
Additional Qualifications:
- In-house counsel for major media and communications firms
- Over 500 business trips to more than 30 countries
- 25+ years of experience living and working in Asia
- Leadership of 100+ employees across 15 regional markets
- More than 100 industry presentations and appearances
- Trusted advocate, communicator, and legal strategist
- Flexible, globally responsive, and highly ethical
I’m also a published author of articles in business and trade publications.
About Frank Rittman
Who I am
I’m an executive and attorney with extensive global experience in the entertainment and media sectors. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, I’ve represented multinational conglomerates in both contentious and transactional matters across book publishing, music, film, and television. A native New Yorker, I’ve lived and worked in four countries and collaborated with service providers across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Before founding Insight & Analysis Ltd., I held senior leadership roles with:
- Motion Picture Licensing Company (Asia) Ltd. – President & Managing Director
- Motion Picture Association – Senior VP, Deputy Managing Director & Asia-Pacific Regional Policy Officer
- Centre for Content Promotion – Founding Director
- National Music Publishers’ Association & The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. – VP, International Affairs
- Macmillan Publishing Company – Director of Contracts & Copyrights
- G. Schirmer, Inc/Associated Music Publishers – Legal Associate
I’ve also served as:
- Chairman of the NY County Lawyers’ Association Entertainment Law Committee
- Board Member, Cable and Satellite Broadcasters’ Association of Asia
I have 35 years of applied international business experience
TESTIMONIALS
What they've said
Experience
What I've done
Successful consulting projects assigned by clients have included the following:
- Expanding a multinational entertainment company’s Asian operations through strategic market entry and service provider and government coordination.
- Business incorporation and banking set-ups in Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States.
- Analyzing a large portfolio of research grant agreements to advise on intellectual property rights monetization opportunities.
- Drafting a non-disclosure agreement and related contractual provisions for a business communications company.
- Advising an overseas music entertainment provider about local public performance licensing and regulatory compliance requirements in Singapore.
- Restructuring a partnership and shareholders investment agreement for an international cannabis conglomerate.
- Representing an international asset manager in connection with acquisitions for their corporate portfolio.
- Editing news articles, media reports, and marketing materials for publication.
- Structuring an artist-producer music rights participation agreement for a catalogue of recorded music repertoire.
- Revising Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy statements for online commerce providers.
- Drafting and reviewing music event sponsorship and promotion agreements.
- Preparing submissions for public policy reviews in Asia and Europe.
- Testifying before legislative bodies on entertainment policy matters.
- Coordinating international outreach for an academic conference in Vietnam.
- Counseling a technology application developer on an intellectual property rights protection strategy.
- Script vetting for defamation and liability exposure.
- Representing media industry associations at regional WIPO training conferences.
- Registering trademarks for a horticultural company’s regional expansion.
- Drafting op-eds for industry leaders in advocacy publications.
- Coordinated licensing of Hollywood film content for background screening during live symphonic performances.
- Negotiating an option agreement for the dramatization of an established literary series.
- Curating, editing and publishing a monthly media industry newsletter.
- Conducting internal investigations into employee misconduct and related legal exposure.
- Partnering with a leading regional university on a lecture series examining tech, creativity, and policy.
Latest Articles
What I say
Turning Tales into Terms: the Importance of a Collaboration Agreement in Book Projects
I got a call a while back from someone who told me he had a great idea for a book. He’d previously been a detective
Cannabis Reform in Thailand 2024: Same Same, but Different
About a year ago I posted an article discussing the burgeoning cannabis scene in Thailand. It seemed to me then that the nascent juggernaut weed
Death, Taxes, and Overseas Remittances
I reached out to an Australian friend here in Bangkok a while ago to suggest that we catch up over a beer. “Too late, mate”
Mum’s the Word: Non-Disclosure Agreements
The overall purposes of an NDA are to protect confidential information, intellectual property rights, customer communications, and temper expectations. NDAs send a message, and they
Did You Notice? Copyright Attributions for Creators
I got a frantic call awhile back from a new client who told me she was facing a “copyright deadline” and was “running out of
Have We Got A Deal? Essential Elements For Any Contract
What’s A Contract? A contract is simply an enforceable agreement, meaning it represents a promise or a set of promises for which the law provides
A gifted orator and communicator able to function proficiently and energetically with the various diverse cultures and changing circumstances of the Asia Pacific Region, Frank thrives in meeting the challenge of putting forward intelligent arguments to advance the issues at hand. He has also shown himself able to be able to advocate effectively with those with whom he engages throughout the Asia Pacific region, including local and regional alliances that he was personally worked to forge over the years.
Christopher J. Dodd United States Senator, 1998-2011 Chairman & CEO, Motion Picture Association 2011-2017