VENICE, Italy (BN24) — Diego Borella, an assistant director working on the fifth season of the Netflix series Emily in Paris, has died after collapsing during filming in Venice. He was 47.
According to La Repubblica, Borella collapsed in front of colleagues on Thursday evening as the crew was preparing to shoot the final scene of the upcoming season. Emergency services arrived at the Hotel Danieli around 7 p.m., where filming was underway, but despite immediate intervention, Borella could not be revived.
Borella was a well-regarded figure in the Italian film and television industry. A native of Venice, he trained in Rome, London, and New York, building a career that spanned assistant directing, writing, and storytelling. In addition to his behind-the-camera work, he was also a published author of fairy tales and children’s literature.
The unexpected tragedy has brought production of Emily in Paris to a standstill. Filming for the fifth season began on August 15 and was expected to wrap by August 25. The season is set to premiere on December 18, with filming locations spanning Venice and Rome.
Lead actress Lily Collins reprises her role as Emily Cooper, now based at Agence Grateau in the Italian capital. Earlier this year, Collins was seen shooting scenes at iconic Roman landmarks, including the Fendi store and navigating the city on a scooter. The storyline for season five follows Emily’s growing relationship with Italian character Marcello, played by Eugenio Franceschini, further cementing the show’s expansion into Italy.
The production had recently made headlines in April when French actress Camille Razat, who plays Emily’s rival Camille, announced her departure from the series via Instagram.
Netflix has not yet released an official statement regarding Borella’s death. It remains unclear when production will resume. Cast and crew are reportedly receiving support as they process the loss of one of their colleagues.
Borella is remembered in the Italian creative community as a dedicated professional and a passionate storyteller whose contributions extended well beyond the screen.
