Behind every major streaming hit lies an intricate web of logistics, local crews, and foundational leadership that viewers rarely see. When Netflix's Emily in Paris expanded its vibrant backdrop from French capital streets to Italian locales for its fifth season, the production relied heavily on seasoned local crew members. Among them was assistant director Diego Borella, whose tragic passing during filming brought international attention to the vital, often unsung role that assistant directors play in keeping massive television productions running smoothly across international borders.
Understanding how a production like Emily in Paris shifts from Paris to Rome or Venice requires looking past the glamorous wardrobes and scripted romance into the gears of daily set management. Assistant directors coordinate talent, manage local permits, oversee crew safety, and translate creative vision into practical daily schedules. While internet rumors or low-quality articles sometimes mischaracterize behind-the-scenes milestones or tragic events with sensationalized framing, examining the actual contributions of professionals like Borella reveals the true operational heartbeat of modern serial television.
The Reality of International Location Production
Filming a luxury television series across multiple European countries is a massive logistical puzzle. Unlike stage-bound sitcoms, location shoots demand real-time problem-solving under tight deadlines.
- Permit and Municipal Coordination: Securing permissions to shoot in historic European city centers involves navigating strict local bureaucracy. Assistant directors work directly with city councils and local authorities to manage street closures and crowd control.
- Crew Localization: Bringing a US-led production studio like Paramount Television Studios into foreign markets requires blending American showrunning standards with local union rules, language differences, and regional crew hierarchies.
- Schedule Maintenance: Weather shifts, tourist crowds, and historical site restrictions mean schedules change constantly. The assistant director team absorbs these shocks so the director and actors can focus entirely on performances.
When production moved to iconic Italian settings like Venice for the fifth season, local expertise became mandatory. Crew members trained in major cultural hubs ensured that complex sequences—ranging from canal-side setups to crowded piazza scenes—executed without stalling the entire enterprise.
Understanding the Role of an Assistant Director
Viewers often credit directors and showrunners like Darren Star for the look and feel of a series, but the execution falls heavily on the first and second assistant directors. They are the operational generals of the set.
Managing the Floor
The assistant director runs the floor minute-by-minute. They call for quiet, cue background actors, verify that equipment positioning matches safety guidelines, and track the exact timing of every scripted scene. If a scene runs behind schedule, it threatens the budget and risks losing daylight or location access.
Communication Bridge
An assistant director acts as the primary communication bridge between the executive producers in the production office, the director behind the monitor, the actors in hair and makeup, and the dozens of technicians hauling gear. Clear communication prevents costly delays and keeps morale stable during long, grueling shoot days.
How Production Teams Honor Fallen Crew Members
When a key crew member passes away mid-production, the impact goes far beyond logistics; it hits the cast and crew on an emotional level. Following the loss of Diego Borella in Venice, production paused briefly to allow the team to process the tragedy.
Television productions handle such moments through deliberate memorialization. Shows frequently dedicate episodes or entire seasons to crew members who helped build the world the audience enjoys. For instance, season five of Emily in Paris included a direct dedication to Borella, ensuring that his professional footprint and personal warmth remain permanently tied to the legacy of the series.
Industry unions and professional networks also use these moments to highlight the demanding nature of physical production work. Long hours, travel strain, and high-pressure environments make the film industry uniquely challenging, pushing studios to reevaluate safety protocols and mental health support on international sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an assistant director actually do on a TV set?
An assistant director manages the daily schedule, coordinates background actors, oversees set safety, and acts as the main communication link between the director and the various department heads.
Why did Emily in Paris film in Italy for Season 5?
The narrative expanded to include new European destinations like Rome and Venice, allowing the storyline to explore new professional and romantic challenges for the main characters outside of France.
How are local crews integrated into major streaming shows?
Production companies hire local production service companies and experienced regional crew members who already understand local permitting laws, equipment rental networks, and municipal regulations.
Who produces Emily in Paris?
The series is produced by Paramount Television Studios alongside other production entities for distribution on Netflix.
Where can viewers see tributes to crew members?
Tributes and dedications usually appear in the opening or closing title cards of specific episodes, or within the dedicated end credits of a season finale.
