An assistant director has died on set in Venice during the filming of the fifth season of Emily In Paris.
Diego Borella, who was working as the third assistant director and was hired locally, collapsed and died from a “sudden heart attack”, according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica. He was 47.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily In Paris production family,” a Paramount Television Studios spokesperson said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
The crew were preparing to film a scene inside Hotel Danieli in Venice on Thursday (August 21) when Borella collapsed. Medical staff attempted to revive him, but he was declared dead at approximately 7pm local time.
Filming for season five of the Netflix romantic comedy series is underway, with the first images of the new season having been shared earlier this week by Netflix. It is set to debut on the streaming service on December 18.
Lily Collins stars as the titular Emily Cooper in the show, a marketing executive who moves from Chicago to Paris to lend her American flair to a French marketing firm. Darren Star created the show and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo and Camille Razat co-star.
The synopsis for season five reads: “Now the head of Agence Grateau Rome, Emily faces professional and romantic challenges as she adapts to life in a new city. But just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks.”
“Seeking stability, Emily leans into her French lifestyle until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships. Tackling conflict with honesty, Emily emerges with deeper connections, renewed clarity, and a readiness to embrace new possibilities.”
