Remembering Kevin Corbishley: The Unsung Hero Behind BBC’s ‘Ghosts’ and ‘Call the Midwife’
In the world of film and television production, the people responsible for creating the scenes we see on screen often remain unsung heroes. Among these professionals was Kevin Corbishley, a lighting rigger whose skill and dedication contributed to the success of some of the most beloved BBC productions. His work on shows such as Call the Midwife and Ghosts not only made these programs visually captivating but also ensured their technical excellence. This article explores Kevin Corbishley’s career, his impact on the television industry, and the legacy he left behind.
Early Life and Career
Kevin Corbishley was born in 1965 in the United Kingdom. While details of his early life are largely private, it’s clear that his professional journey was shaped by a passion for technical craftsmanship and an appreciation for the art of filmmaking. Like many lighting riggers and technicians, Kevin Corbishley’s career likely began in a hands-on environment, where he honed his skills in rigging, electrical work, and set design.
Before rising to prominence in major television productions, Kevin gained invaluable experience working in smaller-scale productions, where he learned the essentials of lighting setups, rigging systems, and safety protocols. These foundational years shaped him into a highly skilled lighting rigger—an integral part of any successful production.
His work was essential to many large-scale productions, providing the technical expertise required to create the atmosphere that directors and cinematographers rely on. Whether it was building lighting rigs or ensuring the safety of the set, Corbishley’s role was always critical to the successful execution of each scene.
The Role of a Lighting Rigger in Television Production
Lighting riggers like Kevin Corbishley are responsible for more than just installing lights. Their job requires a thorough understanding of the equipment used in both studio and on-location shoots. In essence, lighting riggers build the infrastructure that allows a director to capture the perfect shot. This includes mounting lights on rigs, securing them in place, and adjusting their angles to ensure they illuminate scenes in the desired way.
The importance of lighting cannot be overstated in visual storytelling. Lighting sets the mood of a scene, highlights emotions, and directs the viewer’s attention. For example, in a show like Call the Midwife, the soft, diffused lighting is integral to creating the warm, nostalgic atmosphere that defines the series. Similarly, in Ghosts, the lighting is crucial in evoking both the comedic and eerie elements of the show.
As a lighting rigger, Kevin’s work behind the scenes was essential in making such visual elements possible. He collaborated with electricians, camera operators, and other crew members to ensure that every light, whether it was a practical effect or a stage light, was perfectly positioned and safe for use. Without his skill and precision, the show’s creators would not have been able to deliver the visual experience audiences have come to expect from these popular productions.
Kevin Corbishley’s Work on Call the Midwife
Call the Midwife, a drama series set in post-war London, is one of the most beloved and long-running programs on BBC. The series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of midwifery, community life, and social issues, but much of its success is also due to the visual quality of the show.
Kevin Corbishley worked as a lighting rigger on Call the Midwife for several seasons, contributing his expertise to create the soft, natural lighting that has become synonymous with the show. The lighting needed to reflect the historical setting while also bringing a modern sensibility to the visuals. Whether it was a quiet, intimate moment in the clinic or a busy street scene in 1950s London, Corbishley’s technical skill played a key role in creating the right atmosphere.
In February 2022, the Call the Midwife team paid tribute to Kevin Corbishley with a dedication at the end of the Season 11 finale, which read: “In memory of Kevin Corbishley 1965–2022.” This brief, heartfelt tribute served as a reminder of the quiet professionals who make such shows possible. For many viewers, the tribute may have gone unnoticed, but for those within the industry, it was a fitting acknowledgment of the vital role that lighting riggers like Kevin play.
Contributions to Ghosts
Another major project that Corbishley contributed to was Ghosts, a British sitcom that premiered on BBC One in 2019. This show blends humor and supernatural elements, bringing together an eclectic group of characters—both living and dead—who coexist in a sprawling country estate. As with any production of this nature, lighting plays a significant role in establishing the tone and ambiance of the show. From the warm, inviting lights of the living characters’ scenes to the eerie, ethereal glow of the ghosts’ world, lighting is key to Ghosts’ distinctive visual style.
Kevin Corbishley worked as a lighting rigger for Ghosts from the second season onward, and his technical contributions were integral to the visual storytelling. The show’s unique blend of comedy and supernatural elements required careful planning, and Corbishley’s role ensured that the lighting was both functional and artistic. Whether it was creating the soft, glowing light of the haunted house or the moody shadows that accentuated the eerie atmosphere, his work on Ghosts was indispensable.
As with Call the Midwife, Ghosts honored Kevin’s memory following his passing in 2022. In the premiere of Season 4, the show aired a dedication that read: “In loving memory of our friend Kevin Corbishley.” This public acknowledgment of his contributions was a testament to the respect and admiration he earned from his colleagues.
Contributions to Anna Karenina (2012)
Though primarily known for his work on television, Kevin Corbishley also contributed to film. One of his notable film credits is the 2012 adaptation of Anna Karenina, directed by Joe Wright. This visually striking period drama, starring Keira Knightley, is renowned for its unique staging and innovative cinematography, including the use of theater-style sets and dramatic lighting.
In Anna Karenina, Corbishley worked as a lighting rigger, helping to bring the director’s vision to life. The film’s intricate lighting setups were vital in creating the rich visual texture that helped convey the grandeur and tragedy of the story. The careful coordination of light and shadow in the film, particularly in scenes involving large ballrooms or dimly lit private rooms, required precise rigging and technical expertise.
Though Corbishley’s contribution to Anna Karenina may have been less well-known compared to his television work, it was nevertheless an important part of the film’s aesthetic. His work ensured that the film’s lighting not only looked beautiful but also supported the emotional depth of the narrative.
Personal Life and Legacy
Details about Kevin Corbishley’s personal life remain scarce, as he was known to keep a low profile. What is known, however, is that he was deeply respected by his colleagues for his technical expertise, his work ethic, and his affable personality. Many who worked with him described him as someone who was always willing to help others and whose contributions often went unnoticed by the public but were highly valued within the industry.
Corbishley’s legacy extends beyond the shows and films he worked on. He represented the dedicated professionals who make the entertainment industry run smoothly behind the scenes. His passing in 2022 was a reminder that the contributions of crew members, like lighting riggers and camera technicians, are just as vital to the success of a production as the work of actors and directors.
Tributes and Memorials
Following his death, Kevin Corbishley was remembered not only by his immediate colleagues but by the larger entertainment community. His work on Call the Midwife and Ghosts earned him heartfelt tributes, and the public memorials displayed on these shows were a testament to his impact.
Tributes poured in from colleagues, many of whom praised his professionalism, technical brilliance, and kind nature. In an industry where technicians often work in the background, the tributes to Kevin served as a reminder of the vital role they play in the success of productions.
Conclusion
Kevin Corbishley’s career as a lighting rigger and camera technician was marked by his dedication to the craft and his unwavering commitment to excellence. From his work on Call the Midwife to his contributions to Ghosts and Anna Karenina, Corbishley’s technical expertise helped shape the visual landscape of some of the most beloved television shows and films of recent years.
Though he may not have been a household name, Corbishley’s legacy lives on in the work he left behind. His contributions serve as a reminder of the many unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes work makes great television and film possible. His passing in 2022 was a tragic loss, but the tributes paid to him are a testament to the profound impact he had on the industry.
As the entertainment world continues to evolve, Kevin Corbishley’s work will remain a cornerstone of the technical excellence that underpins every great production.
