Kevin Corbishley: A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of a British TV and Film Rigger

Kevin Corbishley was a highly respected British rigger and camera department specialist who left an indelible mark on the world of television and film. Known for his behind-the-scenes work on popular productions like BBC’s Call the Midwife and Ghosts, Corbishley’s dedication and technical expertise played a vital role in bringing the visual elements of these beloved shows to life. His untimely passing in 2022 left a void in the industry, but his legacy continues to inspire those in the lighting and rigging departments. This tribute article highlights his remarkable career, accomplishments, and the impact he had on the world of entertainment.

Introduction: The Legacy of Kevin Corbishley

In the world of television and film production, there are many professionals whose names may not be as widely known as the actors or directors. However, behind every successful show and film lies a dedicated crew that ensures everything runs smoothly. Kevin Corbishley was one such individual. As a rigger and camera department specialist, Corbishley’s contributions were integral to the seamless execution of countless projects. His technical expertise, precision, and reliability made him a standout figure in the industry, and his loss in 2022 was felt deeply by colleagues and fans alike.

This article explores the career, achievements, and lasting impact of Kevin Corbishley, delving into the key projects he worked on and the legacy he leaves behind. From his pivotal role in shaping the look of popular television series like Call the Midwife and Ghosts to the tributes paid to him after his untimely death, Kevin Corbishley’s story is one of dedication, passion, and excellence.

Early Life and Career of Kevin Corbishley

Kevin Corbishley was born in 1965 in the United Kingdom. Little is known about his early life, but his passion for the technical aspects of television and film production began early in his career. As a young man, Corbishley worked his way up through the ranks of the British entertainment industry, starting from smaller projects before moving on to larger, more well-known productions. His expertise in rigging — the art of setting up and securing the equipment that supports lights, cameras, and other essential production elements — was quickly recognized by his peers.

Through his years of experience, Kevin honed a deep understanding of how to ensure that every technical aspect of a shoot was executed flawlessly. He understood the importance of timing, coordination, and teamwork, all of which were crucial to the success of any project. His meticulous attention to detail made him one of the most sought-after riggers in the business, and he soon became a fixture in the British film and television industry.

Kevin Corbishley’s Work on Call the Midwife

One of the standout projects in Kevin Corbishley’s career was his work on the BBC drama Call the Midwife. The show, set in 1950s and 1960s London, is known for its historical accuracy, heartwarming stories, and striking visual style. The production value of the show required a team of professionals who could create an authentic atmosphere while ensuring that the technical side of filming ran smoothly.

Kevin’s role as a standby rigger was essential to this success. He worked closely with the lighting and camera departments to set up rigs that would allow the production to capture the naturalistic lighting and period-appropriate visuals that the show required. His understanding of how to use light to evoke a particular mood or time period made his contributions invaluable to the show’s aesthetic.

Throughout his time on Call the Midwife from 2020 to 2022, Kevin worked on a total of 17 episodes. His efforts ensured that the technical aspects of the show were up to the high standards expected by the audience and critics alike. The production team and cast relied on his expertise to bring the world of Call the Midwife to life, and it was clear that his contributions were vital to the show’s ongoing success.

Kevin Corbishley’s Role in Ghosts

Another major project in which Kevin Corbishley made significant contributions was the British sitcom Ghosts. Known for its blend of humor and supernatural elements, Ghosts quickly became a fan favorite. The show’s quirky and whimsical aesthetic required a team that could balance technical precision with creativity, and Kevin Corbishley was the perfect person for the job.

As a light rigger on Ghosts, Kevin worked to create the atmosphere of the show, which was essential for its tone. His technical skills ensured that the lighting and camera rigs were set up in a way that supported the comedy and supernatural elements without ever distracting from the storytelling. His ability to work behind the scenes to create a seamless viewing experience helped elevate Ghosts to the top of British comedy television.

Kevin was involved with the show from its second season, and his contributions played a significant role in the overall production quality of the series. Tragically, he passed away before the fourth season of Ghosts began filming in early 2022. His death was a blow to the cast and crew, who respected him not only for his technical skills but also for his warm personality and work ethic.

Tributes to Kevin Corbishley

After Kevin Corbishley’s untimely death, tributes poured in from all corners of the industry. His colleagues on Call the Midwife and Ghosts were among the first to honor his memory, dedicating episodes of both shows to him as a testament to his contributions. In the season 11 finale of Call the Midwife, which aired in February 2022, a message read: “In memory of Kev Corbishley: 1965 – 2022.” Similarly, Ghosts paid tribute to Kevin in the season 4 premiere with a dedication that read: “In loving memory of our friend Kevin Corbishley.”

These tributes were not just a reflection of his technical abilities but also a recognition of the positive impact he had on the people he worked with. Kevin was known for being a kind, hardworking, and dedicated professional who always went above and beyond to support his colleagues. His loss was deeply felt by everyone who knew him, both personally and professionally.

The Impact of Kevin Corbishley’s Work

Kevin Corbishley’s legacy extends far beyond the shows he worked on. His impact on the television and film industry is immeasurable, particularly in the fields of rigging, lighting, and camera operations. A rigger’s job may not always be glamorous, but it is one of the most crucial roles on any set. Kevin’s expertise ensured that countless productions, including Call the Midwife and Ghosts, were able to achieve the technical excellence that made them so beloved by audiences.

His dedication to his craft and his ability to collaborate with others made him a standout professional in his field. He was known for being reliable, thoughtful, and precise in his work, always ensuring that every detail was perfect before the cameras rolled. Kevin’s professionalism and work ethic will continue to inspire future generations of riggers and technicians who strive to achieve the same level of excellence in their work.

Conclusion: Kevin Corbishley’s Lasting Legacy

Although Kevin Corbishley is no longer with us, his contributions to the world of television and film will never be forgotten. His work on Call the Midwife and Ghosts continues to be celebrated by fans and colleagues alike, and his technical expertise set a standard of excellence that others in the industry continue to follow. Kevin’s legacy is a testament to the importance of behind-the-scenes professionals who make it possible for the stories we love to come to life.

In honoring Kevin Corbishley’s memory, we recognize not just his technical skills but also the spirit of collaboration, dedication, and passion that he brought to every project. His impact on the entertainment industry will be felt for years to come, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who work in the technical side of production.