Emily in Paris resumes filming in Venice two days after Netflix show’s ‘assistant director collapses and dies’ in front of horrified crew

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The popular Netflix series, Emily in Paris, has recommenced shooting in Venice, merely two days following the unfortunate incident where the show’s assistant director passed away unexpectedly amidst shocked cast and crew members.

Diego Borella, who was 47 years old, was wrapping up the last scenes for the fifth season of the show in Venice, when tragically, he fell ill and passed away in shocking circumstances before his dismayed team members.

Medical professionals hurried to the famed Hotel Danieli within the city by 7pm on a Thursday, however, they could not revive him, according to reports from La Repubblica.

The paper adds it is believed Borella died from a heart attack. 

After the unfortunate incident, filming for Emily in Paris was put on hold for a short while.

However, on Saturday, it seemed that filming had resumed for the show, with its leading actress, Lily Collins, being seen around Venice.

Collins, aged 36, was spotted exiting a building and getting onto a boat alongside her Italian acting partner, Eugenio Franceschini, accompanied by production team members.

Collins, sporting a vibrant, floral gown accessorized with hoop earrings, carried a water bottle and gave off an air of concentration.

Before boarding the boat, she was spotted using her phone, and a crew member assisted her, handing over an umbrella he had been using to shelter her.

As Franceschini sauntered along the Venetian seaside, his vibrant attire stood out – an orange pair of pants, a burgundy polo shirt, and a suit jacket with a slight pink hue.

It came less than two days after the death of the show’s assistant director.

Born in Venice in 1978, Borella honed his skills as a renowned filmmaker and scriptwriter by studying in various global cities such as Rome, London, and New York.

According to his social media, he has successfully published fairy tales, haikus and plays.

The filming of the fifth season of Emily in Paris started in Venice on August 15, with plans for wrapping up by this coming Monday.

It comes after Netflix announced that season five will be released on December 18.

The Spanish newspaper El Mundo states that Borella was declared deceased at 7:30 PM, as efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Mattia Berto, an old friend of mine, reminisced about Diego, saying he was a charming young man with a refined demeanor and flair for style.

Our latest encounter was during a dinner in Paris with him and his closest companion, who also happens to be my dearest friend. I contacted her on Thursday, and she was heartbroken.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that sentiment to:

“I can’t help but share the immense admiration I hold for Diego – his quick wit, boundless intelligence, and remarkable talent were truly inspiring. Regrettably, his life was tragically cut short, leaving us with an overwhelming sense of sadness. Words often fall short in moments like these, yet the void he’s left behind speaks volumes about the incredible impact he made.

In a fresh setting, the character Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins at 36 years old, will find herself exploring another city – namely, Rome – as her European journey continues during the upcoming season of Emily in Paris.

The series chronicles the life and romantic endeavors of American Emily, who embarks on a fresh chapter in Paris, working as a social media consultant.

However, during this current season, she has opted for a change of scenery by moving to a different city. The initial glimpses hint that she seems quite smitten indeed.

In the summary for season five, we find that Emily, now leading Agency Grateau Rome, encounters both professional and romantic hurdles while navigating her way through life in a fresh urban environment.

As if by fate’s cruel twist, when all pieces seemed perfectly aligned, a brilliant creative concept crumbled, leaving a trail of personal turmoil and professional repercussions in its wake – a bitter pill to swallow as an ardent enthusiast.

In an effort to maintain balance, Emily embraces the culture of France, but a hidden truth jeopardizes one of her most cherished bonds.

Overcoming conflicts honestly, Emily finds herself fostering stronger relationships, gaining fresh insights, and eagerly prepared to explore novel opportunities.

According to the series’ creator Darren Star, this upcoming season is akin to two cities – Rome and Paris. Our main character Emily will be navigating her love and life in a way that transcends both these cities.

News of the latest season’s release date comes after an open casting call for extras in Venice.

In the fifth season, Emily embarks on a romantic journey to Venice alongside charming character Marcello Muratori, portrayed by Eugenio Franceschini.

This week, we’ll be shooting at the Hotel San Daniele, the Basilica of Sts. John and Paul, and the Grand Canal.

The locations for our filming this week are the Hotel San Daniele, the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, and Venice’s famous Grand Canal.

Over the past weekend, I, a die-hard fan, couldn’t help but be utterly smitten when I saw the enchanting photos Lily Collins shared on her Instagram – snaps that captured her radiant glow aboard one of Venice’s iconic water taxis, draped in a captivating tomato-print sundress. Simply stunning!

Collins, age 36, penned on August 16th, ‘A truly Venetian vacation.’ He posted images from the team’s shooting session on a water taxi in Venice, suggesting, ‘When work transforms into pleasure.’

At the conclusion of series four, Emily found herself facing a significant choice, given that she received an offer to head the Italian branch of Agence Grateau.

Although deeply smitten with Paris and her job, Emily confessed she was drawn towards a fresh start – with a different partner – in Rome.

Netflix has been contacted for comment. 

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2025-08-23 16:34