A Kiwi TV producer says our Covid-19 restrictions would've contributed to the Lord of the Rings TV series moving offshore.

Amazon Studios are shifting production to the UK once post-production of season one finishes next June.

John Barnett told Heather du Plessis-Allan it makes sense when more than 60 percent of the cast are British.

"The thought of being here for a couple of years, without having access to their families, without being able to go home prevents them for being able to bring their families here really became a significant factor."

LISTEN ABOVE