Screen International is hosting a conference covering all aspects of film financing, from private equity to state tax breaks.

Among the speakers will be Ryan Kavanaugh whose Relativity Media this week announced a monster deal, co-financing 45 films from an unnamed studio.

There are also speakers on the tax breaks that have become a fact of life in the US.

Around three dozen states now have a tasty incentive for film-makers and what was once a defence mechanism to protect against what were known as 'runaway productions', now helps the US attract offshore business of its own.

The success of those schemes has been viewed with envy by other states and those that do not have a plan of their own are being lobbied hard to put one in place.

Iowa and Wyoming are among those currently drafting bills, while Wisconsin's comes into force on July 1.

The Screen International conference will look at the potential for overseas producers filming in the US.

It will consider the variety of schemes on offer, the costs and hidden costs of US production, working with the studios, and the key players involved.

The conference takes place on March 20 at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London.

See www.FilmFinanceUS.com for more.