The Soloist is based on a series of articles published in 2005 by Los Angeles Times columnist, Steve Lopez, about real-life musical prodigy, Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx). The story centres on Ayers who, as a music student at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, developed schizophrenia and subsequently ended up homeless on the streets of Los Angeles, playing his violin and cello to passers-by. The Soloist is a Working Title co-production with DreamWorks Pictures.

Joe Wright directs a stellar cast including Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx (Ray, Collateral), Robert Downey Junior (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Good Night And Good Luck) and Katherine Keener (Capote, The 40 Year Old Virgin).