The Netflix series ‘Emily in Paris’ has resumed filming just two days after the tragic death of assistant director Diego Borella, who collapsed and died on set during the production of season five. The incident occurred on August 21, leaving the entire production team in shock. Despite the tragedy, the show’s filming continued with the main cast members present on set. Lily Collins, one of the show’s lead actors, was spotted on set on Aug. 23, wearing a beaded gown, pink gloves, and a hat as the group filmed on a boat.
Borella, who was hired locally and had trained in Rome, London, and New York, collapsed while filming a final scene inside Hotel Danieli in Venice. He was treated by medics on set, but the situation was beyond their ability to save him. The entire production team expressed their condolences to Borella’s family and loved ones, acknowledging the deep impact of this loss on the entire team. The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety in the entertainment industry, prompting calls for stricter safety protocols.
Paramount Television Studios confirmed Borella’s death during the filming of the fifth season. A spokesperson for Paramount stated, “We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the ‘Emily in Paris’ production family. Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
The fifth season of ‘Emily in Paris’ began filming on Aug. 15 with a scheduled end date of Aug. 25, as reported by People magazine. Season five will premiere on Netflix on Dec. 18. Collins shared photos from filming on Instagram, celebrating the announcement. “The countdown officially begins, with a first look and release date for @emilyinparis SEASON FIVE! Emily’s Italian adventure continues, from cobblestones to canals, on December 18th…” she wrote.
Collins also opened up about portraying the marketing genius Emily in the hit Netflix show ahead of the last season. “Emily in Paris” focused on an American girl working in marketing who moves to Paris to follow her career dreams. “I was happy that this season you really get to see Emily feel all the feelings and have a breakdown and not look perfect all the time and actually be more vulnerable,” Collins said during an episode of Vanity Fair’s “Still Watching” podcast. “I think that this season we get to see her be more complex, and be okay being more complex.”