A bad thing's turned good for the author of 'Into the River' Ted Dawe.

It's illegal to sell, or even pass on the book to a friend thanks to a temporary ban while its classification is reviewed.

But since then a Hollywood producer has contacted Mr Dawe about making the book into a movie.

Ted Dawe said it might not have happened without the publicity around the book being banned.

"I'm not holding my breath, however - as a results of this blowing up I'd imagine, I was emailed by a Hollywood producer and asked if he could negotiate the film rights on Into The River.

 Publisher Random House is now in negotiations with the producer.