Tragedy has struck the set of the Netflix series "Emily in Paris" in Venice, Italy, with the passing of assistant director Diego Borella. The 47-year-old collapsed on Thursday evening, August 21, while working on the show's fifth season at the Hotel Danieli.
Reports from Italian news outlets indicate that Borella collapsed around 7:00 PM while preparing for a scene. Medical staff on set immediately attempted to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. According to La Repubblica, a local doctor suggested that Borella likely suffered a sudden heart attack. The Venice health service confirmed that an ambulance arrived at 6:42 PM, and medics tried to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead around 7:30 PM.
Production on the final episode of the upcoming fifth season was halted but resumed filming on Saturday, August 23. The shoot was expected to end on Monday, August 25. Cast members Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Eugenio Franceschini, and Paul Forman were seen filming scenes in a gondola on Saturday.
Diego Borella was a well-respected Venetian filmmaker who had trained in Rome, London, and New York. He also explored visual arts and literature. In addition to his work in cinema, he had recently focused on writing poetry, fairy tales, and children's stories. Borella was considered a valued member of the "Emily in Paris" crew. For the show's fifth season, he was working as a third assistant director.
A spokesperson for Paramount Television Studios released a statement: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the 'Emily in Paris' production family. Our hearts go out to the individual's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time".
Just days before his death, Lily Collins, the show's lead actress, had shared behind-the-scenes photos from the Italy shoot, expressing the cast and crew's excitement for the new season. Season five of "Emily in Paris" is scheduled to be released on Netflix on December 18. The new season will see Emily relocate to Italy, with scenes set in both Venice and Rome.
