The sudden death of assistant director Diego Borella during the production of Emily in Paris sent shockwaves through the global television industry. While viewers escape into the glamorous, postcard-ready streets of the French capital, few realize the massive logistical coordination required to pull off television's most visually ambitious romantic comedy. Borella's career and his pivotal contributions to the Netflix hit reveal how an assistant director functions as the vital engine connecting creative vision with the chaotic reality of on-location filming in Europe.
The Role of an Assistant Director in High-End Television
An assistant director (AD) doesn't just manage timecards; they dictate the rhythm of a multi-million-dollar set. On a series like Emily in Paris, where historical Parisian backdrops collide with active tourist zones and complex fashion shoots, the first and second assistant directors bear the responsibility of keeping hundreds of cast and crew members synchronized.
Working under the executive producers and lead directors, the assistant director team handles:
- The Shooting Schedule: Breaking down scripts into manageable daily blocks while accounting for actor availability, daylight hours, and union regulations.
- Crowd and Traffic Control: Managing public spaces in crowded European metropolitan areas where permits are notoriously restrictive.
- Set Operations: Directing background actors, managing blocking adjustments, and ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed.
When production teams film exterior sequences in iconic locations like Place de l'Estrapade or along the Seine, the assistant director serves as the primary bridge between municipal authorities and the creative crew. Every smooth transition from a cafe scene to a sweeping street tracking shot depends entirely on this behind-the-scenes architecture.
Navigating the Logistics of Filming in Paris
Filming on location in Paris presents unique hurdles that soundstage productions never encounter. Unlike controlled studio lots, the streets of France's largest city operate on their own unpredictable pulse. Delivery trucks block narrow alleyways, pedestrian foot traffic surges during peak tourist seasons, and local municipal regulations limit noise and lighting equipment setup times.
Assistant directors must anticipate these disruptions before cameras roll. A typical day on location involves real-time problem-solving:
- Adjusting camera blocking when local street vendors or sudden pedestrian crowds alter the frame.
- Reworking shot lists on the fly when unexpected weather changes threaten golden-hour exterior sequences.
- Coordinating quiet periods during sound recording despite the ambient noise of bustling urban neighborhoods.
According to industry reports from publications like Variety, managing location shoots in major European cities requires rigorous bureaucratic navigation and split-second adaptability. Assistant directors like Borella earned their reputation by mastering this delicate balance between artistic ambition and municipal reality.
The Human Element Behind the Camera
Television credits often prioritize directors, showrunners, and starring talent, leaving the tireless work of production staff in the shadows. Yet, the emotional resonance and visual continuity of a series rely heavily on the assistant director's rapport with the crew.
On-set colleagues often describe assistant directors as the calm center of the storm. When tight deadlines mount and weather delays threaten production budgets, the AD maintains morale and clear communication. This collaborative environment allows actors to focus entirely on their performances without feeling the underlying panic of a slipping schedule.
For a show defined by its vibrant aesthetic and fast-paced romantic plots, maintaining seamless continuity between costume changes, lighting setups, and location shifts is a masterclass in modern television production. Every crisp frame of Parisian architecture paired with vibrant couture requires dozens of crew members moving in absolute harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an assistant director actually do on a TV set?
An assistant director manages the day-to-day logistics of a film or television set. They create shooting schedules, coordinate crew departments, direct background action, manage on-set safety, and ensure the production stays on time and within budget.
Why is filming in Paris uniquely challenging for production crews?
Parisian production involves strict municipal permit regulations, heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic, historic architecture preservation rules, and unpredictable weather, requiring extensive coordination with local authorities.
How do assistant directors handle unexpected delays on location?
Assistant directors rely on contingency planning, rapid schedule adjustments, and close communication with directors and cinematographers to pivot quickly—such as shifting exterior scenes to alternate lighting windows or rearranging shot lists.
Where can I learn more about television production standards?
Industry standards, union guidelines, and professional insights are regularly published by organizations like the Directors Guild of America and major entertainment trade journals.
