For many players, Grand Theft Auto V's story is about heists and chaos, but its side characters add depth to Los Santos. One such figure is Solomon Richards, a film producer whose missions offer a unique break from the usual criminal activities. Here’s a practical look at his role from a player's perspective.

Who is Solomon Richards in the Story?

Solomon Richards is a veteran Vinewood producer running his father's struggling studio. By 2013, he's financially troubled and wants to make one last great film, Meltdown, before retiring. He is introduced to Michael De Santa because Michael is a fan of his often critically-panned movies. Their relationship forms a subplot where Michael uses his particular skills to help Solomon deal with problems like threatening gangsters and uncooperative staff. Most players see this as a fun, nostalgic arc for Michael, who gets to live out a fantasy of being involved in the movie business, albeit through intimidation and violence.

What Missions Does He Give, and What’s the Reward?

Solomon gives Michael a series of missions starting with "Mr. Richards." These involve tasks like strong-arming a movie director and actor back to work, and later, dealing with the gangsters who assault Solomon. The final mission, "Meltdown," involves retrieving the film reel from Devin Weston's lawyer. The direct financial reward for completing his mission strand isn't huge compared to a heist, but the real payoff is narrative. You get to attend the premiere of Meltdown, and more importantly, completing his missions is required to unlock the final story heists. In general, players do these missions to progress the story and for the change of pace they offer.

How Does He Appear in GTA Online?

Years after the story events, Solomon appears in the Los Santos Summer Special update for GTA Online. He contacts the player via text, stating his studio has been robbed of valuable movie props and that the LSPD is useless. This unlocks the "Movie Props" collectible hunt across Los Santos. Finding and returning all ten props is a solo activity that pays a modest cash bonus and some RP. His role here is minor, serving mainly to add a story reason for this collectible hunt. After returning all props, he thanks you and leaves a unique reward in his office: the rare "Prisoner" outfit, which is indeed something money can't buy directly. It's a cosmetic item for dedicated collectors.

Is There Any Ongoing Benefit to Helping Him?

Beyond the one-time rewards, no. Solomon doesn't become a regular contact for Jobs or Heists. His purpose is contained within his specific missions. In GTA Online, after you collect the props and get the outfit, there's no further interaction. Some players hoping for a movie studio business property were disappointed, as his role remains a limited side activity. It's worth doing if you want the unique outfit or to tick off all collectibles, but it won't generate ongoing income.

What’s the Deal with Devin Weston and the Film Reel?

This is a key story point. Devin Weston, a billionaire investor, plans to sabotage Solomon's studio for insurance money and real estate development. He steals the analogue film reel. In the mission, Michael retrieves it, but it’s revealed Solomon had digital backups the whole time. This highlights Solomon's character as a seasoned, cautious pro who knows how Vinewood works. For players, it makes the frantic airport chase to get the reel feel slightly ironic, though it's still a necessary mission to complete the plot. This whole arc is a good example of the game's cynical take on the entertainment industry.

Are the Movie Props in Online Worth the Effort?

This depends on your play style. The cash payment for all ten isn't significant—you can earn more money faster through other activities. The main draw is the exclusive "Prisoner" outfit. Most players who complete this are either completionists, role-players, or fans of Solomon's small part in the GTA universe. The search can also be a good, relaxed way to see parts of the map you might usually ignore. It’s not a priority for players focused on wealth accumulation, which is why some might look for shortcuts elsewhere. For instance, you'll sometimes see players discussing quick-start options like cheap gta 5 modded accounts ps5 to bypass early-game grinds, though that obviously comes with its own set of risks and compromises and isn't related to Solomon's in-game content.

Can You Interact with Him Outside of Missions?

In Story Mode, Michael can call Solomon after certain missions. Solomon will often quote a line from one of his old films, which Michael usually recognizes, and they'll have a brief chat about the movie business. These calls are optional but add nice character depth. In Online, after the props are delivered, he sends a final text and that's it. You cannot visit him for new jobs or dialogue. His studio office in Vinewood can be entered during the Online quest, but otherwise serves no function.

In summary, Solomon Richards provides a focused, self-contained storyline that breaks up the core criminal narrative. His value is in world-building and offering unique, if not highly lucrative, tasks. Completing his work is generally seen as a step toward 100% completion or a fun diversion for those interested in the lighter side of Los Santos life.