The picturesque canals of Venice became the backdrop for tragedy yesterday when Diego Borella, a 47-year-old assistant director working on Netflix’s “Emily in Paris” Season 5, died after suddenly collapsing on set.
The incident occurred during what sources describe as routine production activities at the historic Hotel Danieli, a luxury five-star property that has served as a filming location for the show’s Venice sequences. Borella collapsed suddenly while filming Season 5 in Venice on Thursday, though initial reports suggested the incident took place on Friday evening around 7:00 PM.
Emergency medical personnel responded immediately to the scene, attempting life-saving measures, but Borella was pronounced dead at the location. Italian news outlet La Repubblica reported that a doctor attributed the death to what appeared to be a sudden cardiac arrest.
The loss has sent shockwaves through the international production, which had been nearing completion of its Venice filming schedule. Season 5 of the comedy, greenlit last September, started filming in Rome in May before returning to Paris, with a few days in Venice scheduled at the tail end of production.
Despite the tragedy, production made the difficult decision to continue. Production briefly paused before resuming Aug. 23, with series stars Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Eugenio Franceschini, and Paul Forman spotted filming scenes aboard a gondola the following day. The cast has remained notably silent on social media regarding the incident, maintaining their professional commitments while privately processing the loss.
Borella, described as a “locally hired Italian third assistant director,” brought considerable international experience to the production. According to La Repubblica, he had trained extensively across three major film capitals—Rome, London, and New York—establishing himself as a skilled professional in the demanding world of television production. His previous credits included work on the 2020 Italian series “DOC—Nelle tue mani.”
In a statement addressing the tragedy, Paramount, the production company behind the series, expressed profound grief: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the ‘Emily in Paris’ production family” and extended condolences, stating, “Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
The timing of Borella’s death is particularly poignant, coming just as the production was wrapping its ambitious international filming schedule. At the time of his death, Diego was working on the upcoming fifth season of Emily in Paris, which follows the show’s heroine Emily as she relocates from Paris to Rome and Venice.
The incident highlights the often-overlooked risks faced by crew members working long hours under demanding conditions in the entertainment industry. Assistant directors, in particular, bear significant responsibility for coordinating complex productions while managing safety protocols and scheduling demands.
Emily in Paris is set to be released on Netflix on December 18, with the new season expected to showcase the Venice locations where Borella spent his final professional moments. The series, which follows marketing executive Emily’s European adventures, has become a global phenomenon for the streaming platform.
As the industry mourns this unexpected loss, Borella’s death serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost behind entertainment productions and the dedication of crew members who work tirelessly, often away from the spotlight, to bring viewers’ favorite shows to life.
The production is expected to complete its remaining Venice sequences while honoring Borella’s memory and contribution to what will likely be his final credited work.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Diego Borella, a 47-year-old assistant director on Netflix’s “Emily in Paris” Season 5, died of an apparent heart attack while filming in Venice on Thursday. Despite the tragedy, production resumed the next day with the main cast continuing to shoot scenes.
Borella was an experienced Italian filmmaker who had trained internationally, and his sudden death highlights the often-overlooked risks and dedication of behind-the-scenes crew members who work long hours to bring popular entertainment to audiences. The fifth season is still set to release on Netflix in December.
