The new Lord of the Rings TV series will not be primarily shot in Scotland, it has been reported.

The New Zealand Herald has quoted movie industry sources that say the £1bn production will be shot in New Zealand, where the Oscar-winning films were made by Peter Jackson.

The uncertainties caused by Brexit counted against Scotland's bid, a report in the NZ Herald said.

It has reported that "the country nearly lost out on the astronomically lucrative deal to Scotland, which is now expected to play a smaller part in the TV series."

According to a film industry insider, the New Zealand government provided reassurance to Amazon - who are making the series - after the March 15 terrorist attack in Christchurch.

The "tumultuous" Brexit situation has hindered Scotland's pitch, it said.

"When commissioning international television productions, they all have security reports and look at the risks and threats to international crews coming in," the source said.

"When New Zealand's status changed there were very high-level talks between the New Zealand government and Amazon to assure them that it was a one-off event, that New Zealand remains a very safe place for international workers and film crews to work.

"It was pretty quickly laid to rest and Amazon agreed and decided to move the production south."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had a half-hour phone call with Amazon boss Jeff Bezos - the world's richest man - on May 2.

Economic Development Minister David Parker also had a meeting with Amazon Studios, New Line Cinemas and the New Zealand Film Commission late last year.