In 1977, Joe Horacek joined Manatt as the founding partner and chair of its motion picture and television department.

Joe’s practice focuses on negotiating and structuring business transactions, with a particular emphasis on the motion picture, television and related industries.

Joe has represented major stars, producers, directors, writers, major motion picture studios, financiers, and independent production companies, as well as major domestic and international corporations. He acts as advisor to numerous major companies in the motion picture and television field, including with regard to production matters, distribution arrangements, investments and acquisitions, management strength, deal structuring and other strategic planning. Joe has extensive experience representing major talent on first-run syndicated television shows. He has successfully represented both talent and investors in the supervision of audits of profit participation accountings, and negotiated audit settlements on numerous major motion pictures and television productions.