The crew of Emily in Paris—the celebrated Netflix series that recently landed in Venice to film some of its fifth season—is in mourning. On August 21, just before the last take of the day inside the historic Danieli hotel, 47-year-old assistant director Diego Borella lost his life. According to local news outlets, the Italian reportedly collapsed to the ground in front of the other crew members around 7 p.m. local time, losing consciousness.
Medical personnel on the scene immediately intervened with a defibrillator. A few minutes later, an emergency medical doctor also rushed to the scene, but all attempts to resuscitate Borella were in vain. At 7:30 p.m. he was declared dead. Shooting was suspended, and the City of Venice expressed its condolences through Tourism Councillor Simone Venturin: “We are sorry to learn this sad news. Our condolences to our colleagues and family.” Paramount Television Studio, which produces Emily in Paris, released a similar statement: “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.”
Borella, a native of Venice, was an esteemed professional who trained between Rome, London and New York. His credits include DOC – Nelle tue mani, an Italian medical drama. According to La Repubblica, he had also experimented recently with creative forms such as writing, composing poetry (in 2023 he published a collection called 5. 7. 5. – Haiku for a Year) as well as fairy tales and stories for very young readers.
Original story in VF Italy.
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