HARRY Potter became Harry Swatter yesterday as cast and crew filming the new TV series were plagued by bugs.
Scenes were being filmed in Windsor Great Park — in an area infested with hungry insects.
Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout will bring Hermione, Harry and Ron to life in HBO’s new Harry Potter series[/caption]
The first look at Dominic McLaughin as Harry Potter[/caption]
A warning sent to cast and crew beforehand said: “This site is prone to ticks and horseflies — please wear suitable clothing and check for bites. Please seek advice from the on-site medic.”
Tick bites cause red rashes or lesions and can cause fevers or fatigue.
Horseflies can be persistent and cause painful bites, which may spark an allergic reaction.
A source told The Sun: “There is excitement about filming getting under way.
“The Harry Potter films are legendary, and everyone wants the new TV series to be just as popular.
“It’s safe to say that warning everyone of bites from ticks and horseflies on day one didn’t put everyone in the best of moods.
“No one likes getting bitten, and you could see everyone nervously swatting away midges.”
Meanwhile, bosses are desperate to keep events on set secret and have ordered staff to use codewords while on location.
Staff lanyards were originally branded with “Dark Train” with no reference to the wizard production.
But already the secret code has been switched to “Brown Cat” by paranoid management.
Phone messages sent to cast and crew can only be opened once before disappearing from screens.
On set, mobile phones are banned.
The Sun told this week that the Hogwarts Express has magically steamed into the grounds, with a replica of Hogsmeade Station also there as part of a £4million set that includes half a mile of track through woodland.
Filming is taking place about a mile to the rear of Forest Lodge in Windsor, where the Prince and Princess of Wales will set up home.
Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry in the HBO TV series, expected to be shown in 2027.
Daniel Radcliffe first brought the boy wizard to life in the Harry Potter movies[/caption]
