Former Greenock Academy pupil Drew John Barnes is living the high life working with stars of music, TV and film.

The 26-year-old started filming five years ago and in that time has amassed an impressive client list, which also includes the likes of Noel Gallagher, Texas, featuring Greenock’s Tony McGovern, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Tom Odell.

He has also worked on adverts featuring David Beckham, on productions with Guy Ritchie and on projects for Apple, MTV, Sony Music and Universal Music.

Drew was most recently in South Africa on set with hip-hop musician Kobi Onyame and he says it has been a rollercoaster few years.

He told the Tele: “I’ve been filming for five years or so.

“I have had a long list of famous pop stars stand in front of my camera over the years from 5 Seconds of Summer, Olly Murs, and Grammy Award winner Fatmanscoop. 

“Recently I started a project called ‘5 Questions’ where I sit down with the people I meet on this musical journey and ask them five off-the-cuff questions of my choosing.

“These are special conversations that continue to inspire me when I meet famous, successful people and I want to share them and their stories.”

Drew started in photography in West College Scotland and would occasionally film for local artists while building up his profile and knowledge of directing.

He quickly graduated from taking photos of live music to working with large production companies on adverts for top brands such as Chanel and Omega watches, and his work has been viewed by millions of people around the world.

But despite all his success and globetrotting exploits, Drew says Inverclyde is never far from his thoughts.

He said: “I am a self-taught music video director and ex-Greenock Academy student.

“The life of a Scottish music video director can take you all over, from the shanty towns of South Africa to the Isle of Wight Festival but Greenock has and does have a big place in my heart.”