Emily in Paris Production Resumes in Venice Following On-Set Tragedy

The cast and crew of the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris have returned to work in Venice, just days after the sudden death of assistant director Diego Borella on set. The production’s swift resumption marks a somber continuation of filming for the show’s highly anticipated fifth season, which remains on track for its scheduled December premiere.

How does a film production recover from an on-set tragedy?

The death of a crew member is a devastating event that halts not just filming but the entire emotional rhythm of a production. In the case of Emily in Paris, the response followed a pattern seen across the industry: an immediate pause out of respect, followed by a careful and collective decision to continue. This process involves providing support services for the grieving cast and crew, acknowledging the profound loss, and finding a way to honor the deceased’s contribution by completing the project they were a part of. The show’s producers at Paramount Television Studios confirmed the tragic news and extended their deepest condolences to Borella’s family and loved ones, emphasizing the close-knit nature of a production family.

The incident occurred on the evening of August 21st at the historic Hotel Danieli, a key filming location for the Italian leg of the season. According to reports from reputable Italian publications including La Repubblica, the 47-year-old Venetian native collapsed during work. Despite immediate efforts from on-site medical personnel, he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary reports from local authorities suggest the cause was a sudden heart attack, though official details remain private out of respect for the family.

Borella was described as a talented professional with a career spanning directing and writing. His background included studies in Rome, London, and New York, reflecting a deep commitment to his craft in film and visual arts. His passing cast a shadow over what had been, until that point, a vibrant and celebratory production start in Venice. Lead actress Lily Collins had been actively sharing joyful behind-the-scenes content from the Italian canals with her co-stars just days before the tragedy, capturing the excitement surrounding the new season.

The production, which had begun in Venice on August 15th, is now working towards its planned wrap date. The decision to continue filming ensures that the season will meet its scheduled release on Netflix on December 18th. For the cast and crew, moving forward is undoubtedly a difficult but determined effort, balancing professional commitments with personal grief.

The show’s commitment to continuing underscores the resilience of a production team in the face of unimaginable loss, aiming to deliver a season that honors both its story and the memory of a valued colleague.

Must Know

Who died on the Emily in Paris set?
Assistant director Diego Borella passed away suddenly on August 21st while the show was filming its fifth season in Venice, Italy. He was a respected professional in the Italian film industry.

What was the cause of Diego Borella’s death?
While an official cause has not been publicly released by the family, initial reports from Italian media, citing local medical officials, indicate he suffered a sudden heart attack on set.

Where did the incident occur?
The tragedy took place inside the famed Hotel Danieli, a luxury hotel on the Venice waterfront that was being used as a filming location for the series.

Did production stop after the death?
Yes, production was immediately paused following the incident out of respect. Filming resumed two days later, on Saturday, August 23rd, as the crew worked to complete the scheduled shoot.

When will Emily in Paris season 5 be released?
Despite the tragic event, Netflix has not announced any changes to the schedule. Season 5 of Emily in Paris is still set to premiere on December 18th.