Emily in Paris Resumes Venice Filming After Assistant Director Death

Filming for the fifth season of Netflix's Emily in Paris resumed in Venice just days after the tragic on-set death of assistant director Diego Borella, who collapsed and died from a likely sudden heart attack while preparing to film at the historic Hotel Danieli. Borella, a 47-year-old Venetian native with a diverse background in directing, writing, and visual arts, was mourned by the cast and crew, with Paramount Television Studios expressing deep condolences to his family and loved ones. Despite the emotional impact, the production quickly continued to meet its planned December 18, 2025 premiere, with lead actress Lily Collins and co-stars seen filming scenes on location shortly after the incident. The incident temporarily paused filming, but the show's close-knit production family supported each other and honored Borella's contribution by moving forward with the project. The tragedy cast a somber tone over the highly anticipated season, which follows Emily's move to Italy after previous Paris-based storylines. The swift resumption reflects industry practices of balancing respect for loss with the commitment to complete the creative work.