Introduction
Crew members rarely make headlines, but their work shapes every frame we watch. Kevin Corbishley was one such figure: a talented light rigger and camera-department professional whose steady, behind-the-scenes contribution to British television earned him the respect of colleagues and on-screen tributes after his passing. This article celebrates his craft, notes the productions he helped bring to life, and explains why remembering technicians like Kevin matters.
Early career and moving into TV production
Kevin Corbishley built a career in the technical side of film and television — a world defined by precision, teamwork, and long hours. Riggers and camera-crew specialists like Kevin are responsible for setting up the lighting rigs, securing heavy equipment, and enabling camera operators and gaffers to capture scenes safely and artistically. While individual biographies of crew members are often sparse in public records, Kevin’s credits on major productions show he was trusted on large sets and complex shoots.
The craft: what a light rigger does
To understand Kevin’s role, it helps to know what a light rigger does. Riggers install and secure the lighting and support systems used on sets — from overhead scaffolding and grid systems to bespoke mounts for specialised lamps. Their work is both highly technical and creative: a rigger must interpret the lighting designer’s plan, engineer safe mounting solutions, and adapt quickly when directors change blocking or camera angles. The result is invisible to viewers, but crucial to the mood, clarity, and safety of every shot. Kevin’s repeated employment on acclaimed projects suggests he excelled at this mix of engineering and artistry.
Notable credits and the scope of his work
Kevin Corbishley’s name appears on credits for a number of well-known productions, demonstrating a career that spanned both film and television. Among the projects associated with him are the film Anna Karenina and long-running BBC dramas such as Call the Midwife, as well as the comedy series Ghosts. These credits indicate his adaptability across genres — from the period drama demands of a film like Anna Karenina to the fast-paced schedules of television. Being part of such varied teams is a mark of a reliable and skilled crew member.
The unexpected loss and on-screen tributes
Kevin’s passing in 2022 was a shock to colleagues and crews he had worked alongside. The BBC One sitcom Ghosts dedicated its season-four premiere episode to him with the message: “In loving memory of our friend Kevin Corbishley,” a gesture that underlines how highly he was regarded on set. Reports say he had worked on Ghosts since series two and that his death occurred during the period leading up to filming the fourth series, prompting both immediate sadness and public tributes from production teams. Another production he worked on, Call the Midwife, also dedicated an episode to his memory.
Responses from colleagues and the community
When crew members die unexpectedly, the community that rallies around cast and crew is often close-knit and practical: collections, tributes, and moments of remembrance on set are common ways colleagues honour someone’s contribution. In Kevin’s case, reports indicate that his colleagues organised a collection after his sudden death, reflecting the affection and solidarity common among those who spend long days and nights working together to create television and film. These gestures also serve to remind audiences that productions are made by teams — not just the faces on camera.
Why remembering technicians matters
It’s easy to conflate a show’s success with the visible talent — actors, directors, writers — but television and film are fundamentally collaborative. Lighting, grip, rigging, camera setup, and countless other trades provide the technical foundation for storytelling. Remembering technicians like Kevin Corbishley does more than honour an individual; it reminds the industry and audiences alike that quality production depends on depth of experience and quiet professionalism. Tributes and dedications are a small but meaningful way to make that invisible labor visible, even if for a moment.
Legacy: the small ways a career shapes others
A rigger’s legacy isn’t measured in award shows but in the reliability and mentorship they bring to sets. Crew members often pass on techniques, safety best practices, and the tacit knowledge that keeps productions running smoothly. For those who worked with Kevin, his legacy likely lives on in the routines, problem-solving approaches, and the culture of care he helped foster. When a production dedicates an episode to a crew member, it’s an acknowledgment that the person’s daily contribution mattered to both the craft and the community.
Conclusion
Kevin Corbishley’s story is a reminder that the people who build the world behind the camera deserve recognition. Though the spotlight rarely finds them, their work is embedded in every shot, every mood, and every technical success. The dedications from productions like Ghosts and Call the Midwife are small, public ways of saying thank you — and a prompt for viewers to appreciate the many hands that make the shows they love. In remembering Kevin, the industry honors a dependable craftsman whose steady work helped bring stories to life.
