Introduction
Kevin Corbishley was a skilled rigger and lighting technician whose work behind the scenes helped bring several well-loved television productions to life. He did not seek the spotlight, but colleagues noticed his absence when the BBC sitcom Ghosts included an on-screen dedication following his passing. That tribute made clear how very much he was valued on set and among the crews he worked with.
Early career and credits
Public information about Corbishley’s personal life is limited. What is public, however, is his filmography and the kinds of shows that benefited his expertise. Industry databases and film registries list him with credits on both film and television productions, including the feature Anna Karenina and the long-running period drama Call the Midwife. Those credits suggest a career in which he moved between large-scale feature shoots and the faster rhythm of television production. Film and television crews rely on experienced riggers and electrics who understand both the technical demands and the scheduling pressure of different formats.
The craft: what riggers and lighting technicians do
Riggers and lighting technicians are the practical backbone of any filmed production. Riggers hang and secure lights, motors, and set elements, often working at height and under tight deadlines. Lighting technicians design and execute schemes that convey time of day, mood, and texture; in period drama, this often means recreating the look of gas or candlelight while meeting modern safety standards and continuity needs. Both roles demand technical knowledge of electrical systems, an eye for composition, and habitual care for the people working below the lights. The steadiness and attention to detail these jobs require are easy to overlook in the final credit roll, but they are essential to every polished shot.
Work on Ghosts and the on-screen dedication
Corbishley worked as a light rigger on Ghosts from the show’s second series onward. Ghosts mixes visual comedy with quick, tight shooting schedules and frequent set changes, which makes nimble rigging and flexible lighting plans essential for keeping days on track. During filming of the fourth series, the production included a short dedication card at the close of an episode reading, “In loving memory of our friend Kevin Corbishley.” The tribute appeared to viewers and was noted by entertainment outlets, making the usually unseen contribution of a crew member visible to a wider audience.
Colleagues’ response and reports from the set
Those who worked alongside Corbishley described his death as sudden. Media reports and trade outlets described cast and crew organizing collections and holding private gatherings to remember him and support his family. The reactions underline how production crews form practical and emotional networks: long hours working together, often in cramped or physically demanding conditions, create familiarity and mutual dependence. Coverage in national papers placed the dedication within the wider pattern of how shows and crews respond when a long-time member dies.
Why recognition matters
On-screen dedications and press mentions do more than mark an absence. They bring attention to the many specialist roles that enable storytelling: rigging, lighting, grips, and electric work. For viewers, a dedication invites a moment of awareness about the trades that make a program possible. For production professionals, it is a formal moment of respect that can translate into practical support, such as collections or benefit events. These rituals matter because they recognize people whose skill and care keep productions running and who often work with little public acknowledgment.
A note on public recognition and privacy
Not every crew member wants publicity, and families often balance public acknowledgment with privacy. Producers typically consult closest relations and colleagues to decide the most respectful way to honor a person. In some cases the family prefers a private ceremony; in others, a public dedication helps fans and colleagues offer condolences. The decision about how to remember someone is therefore both practical and personal.
Lessons for newcomers to the trade
Corbishley’s career offers practical lessons for technicians starting out. Versatility helps: being able to switch between film and television increases employability. Detail matters: a carefully executed lighting plan preserves continuity and supports actors’ performances. Safety is not optional: rigging and electrical work follow strict protocols for a reason. Finally, relationships are central to a steady career — reputation, punctuality, and clear communication are the traits colleagues rely on most. Those professional habits build trust in an environment where timing, safety, and collaboration all matter.
How productions honor crew members
Productions use several common forms of acknowledgment when a crew member dies. These can include on-screen dedications, internal memorials, collections for the family, or public fundraising. Sometimes a production will name an episode or dedicate a season to a crew member. The choice usually balances privacy and public acknowledgment: producers often consult family and colleagues to decide what fits the circumstance. In Corbishley’s case, the on-screen dedication and the reports of colleague-organized collections followed common industry practice for marking the loss of a valued crew member.
Practical ways viewers can acknowledge crew
If viewers want to notice the hidden work behind productions, simple steps help. Read the credits, follow industry guilds, and leave a brief note of thanks on social media. Public appreciation matters for people who spend years building a reputation.
Conclusion
Kevin Corbishley’s work was the kind that television depends on every day: careful, technical, and steady. The dedication on Ghosts was a short on-screen moment that signaled a larger reality – production teams are communities with shared risks and shared accomplishments. Remembering individuals like Corbishley helps audiences see that the shows they enjoy are the result of many people doing exacting, often unseen work, and it honors the quiet professionalism that keeps cameras rolling and sets safe.
Final thought
Kevin Corbishley was not a household name, but he was a professional whose care and competence helped deliver stories to audiences. The on-screen dedication on Ghosts was brief, but it offered a clear message: the people who keep shows running deserve recognition. That recognition can be quiet and local, but it can also echo to viewers and to young professionals who will be the next generation of crew.
