NZ loses next Narnia film to England

The next installment of the Chronicles of Narnia will not be filmed in New Zealand.

Prince Caspian, sequel to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe filmed in New Zealand in 2004 is to be made at Pinewood studios in England, Britain's The Times newspaper reported.

As recently as late last month the Narnia website reported the movie would be filmed in New Zealand in February and March next year.

Post production was to be done in Prague, Czech Republic, the website said.

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New Zealander Andrew Adamson, who made the first movie, will also direct Prince Caspian.

However, The Times reported recently introduced tax breaks available to overseas film-makers played an important role in switching the movie to England.

The decision will have a devastating affect on New Zealand, potentially leaving around 200 crew jobless.

The Dominion Post reported that the five week shoot alone was worth at least $NZ10 million ($A8.77 million) to the industry here.

Prince Caspian, first published in 1951, is the second book in the seven-book series written by CS Lewis.

The Pevensie children are pulled back into the land of Narnia where a thousand years have passed since they left, and join the creatures of Narnia in combating an evil villain who will do anything to stop the rightful prince from ruling the land.