Emily in Paris Assistant Director Diego Borella Dies on Set

The glamorous world of television production was struck by tragedy as the entertainment industry mourns the sudden loss of Diego Borella, a respected assistant director working on the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris. The 47-year-old Italian national collapsed on set in Venice during filming for the show’s highly anticipated fifth season. The incident has sent shockwaves through the production crew and the wider film community, halting final filming activities.

Emergency services were called to the luxurious Hotel Danieli on the evening of Thursday, August 21, after crew members witnessed Borella collapse. According to reports from Italian news outlet La Repubblica, paramedics performed immediate resuscitation attempts. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the scene approximately half an hour later. The Venice health service confirmed the timeline of the emergency response. Production on the final episode was immediately suspended following the tragic event.

Who Was Diego Borella and What Was His Role?

Diego Borella was a seasoned and highly adaptable film professional born in Venice. His career in the industry was international in scope, having worked on various productions across major hubs like Rome, London, and New York before returning to his home country. Colleagues and peers described him as a respected figure known for his professionalism and ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse international crews. Beyond his work as an assistant director, Borella was also a passionate writer, recently focusing his energy on poetry, fairy tales, and children’s stories, showcasing a creative spirit that extended far beyond the film set.

His role as an assistant director on Emily in Paris was pivotal. Assistant directors are crucial for managing the set, coordinating schedules, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of a shoot, making them the backbone of any production. Borella was overseeing the final scenes of the season, which were scheduled to wrap just days after the incident occurred.

What Is the Impact on Emily in Paris Season 5?

The sudden death of a key crew member has profound implications, both human and logistical. Netflix and the production company have suspended filming out of respect for Borella and to allow the cast and crew time to grieve. The series, created by Darren Star, was in the final stages of shooting its fifth season, which notably expands its setting beyond Paris to include iconic Italian locations like Venice and Rome. The storyline for the new season follows protagonist Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, as she takes charge of her marketing agency’s new office in Rome.

Despite this tragedy, Netflix has not announced any changes to the current release schedule. The platform has officially set the premiere date for Emily in Paris Season 5 for December 18. The industry will be watching closely to see how the production navigates this difficult period to complete the remaining work while honoring the memory of their colleague.

The passing of Diego Borella is a sobering reminder of the immense effort and dedication of the often-unseen crew members who bring our favorite stories to life. While the world awaits Emily in Paris Season 5, the focus remains on the profound loss of a talented artist and the collective mourning of the global film community. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.

Must Know

Who was Diego Borella?
Diego Borella was a 47-year-old Italian assistant director and writer from Venice. He had an extensive international career in film and television, working in several major production cities before returning to Italy to work on Emily in Paris and pursue his writing projects.

How did the Emily in Paris assistant director die?
Diego Borella died after suddenly collapsing on the set located at the Hotel Danieli in Venice on the evening of August 21. Despite immediate medical attention from paramedics, he could not be resuscitated.

Where was Emily in Paris filming?
Season five of the show was filming on location in Italy, expanding from its usual Paris setting. The incident occurred while the crew was shooting scenes in Venice, with additional filming having taken place in Rome.

Has production on Emily in Paris stopped?
Yes, production on the final episode of the fifth season was immediately halted following the tragic death of Diego Borella. No official date for resuming filming has been announced by Netflix or the producers.

When is Emily in Paris season 5 coming out?
As of now, Netflix has maintained the official release date for Emily in Paris Season 5, which is scheduled to premiere on December 18.