Exclusive – COTT Wk 31’26: JioHotstar reclaims platform lead

• California signed a new budget law on June 29 that may jeopardize the state's pledge to provide $750 million annually in film and TV tax credits. • Industry organizations warn that a "big catch" within the legislation could discourage productions from returning to California and persuade them to move business elsewhere.

• Dozens of Canadian cultural organizations are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to maintain taxes on foreign streaming giants, such as Netflix, to fund domestic content. • The request follows a previous decision by Ottawa to alter streaming rules after the U.S. identified the legislation as a trade irritant.

• Sean "Diddy" Combs has filed a countersuit against producer Rodney Jones, who had previously accused Combs of sexual assault. • Combs alleges that Jones stole private video footage and secretly sold the material to Netflix for use in a docuseries.

• Several new movies are available for streaming during the week of August 10-16. • Featured titles include *Camp Rock 3*, *Don't Say Good Luck*, *Normal*, *Girls Like Girls*, and *The Wizard of the Kremlin*.

• A coalition of 50 Canadian screen organizations is urging the Liberal Party government to maintain strict requirements for contributions from global streaming platforms. • The government claims recent policy shifts are intended to reduce financial burdens on families, denying that the changes are linked to trade negotiations with President Donald Trump’s administration.

• The Busan Asian Cinema Fund has awarded a total of $100,000 to three international co-productions led by filmmakers Fukada Koji, Jakrawal Nilthamrong, and Boo Junfeng. • One project focusing on shared Asian wartime history received KRW 40 million (approximately $28,600) to support its development.

• The Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) has designated Japan as the 2026 Focus Country for its Producer Hub. • As part of this initiative, 10 Japanese producers will travel to Busan to participate in pitching sessions, case studies, and speed meetings.

• South Korean industry leaders are increasing cooperation with TerraPower to advance the development of next-generation nuclear energy technology. • The Johor state government in Malaysia has announced plans to install approximately 5,000 smart CCTV cameras across Greater Johor Bahru.

• Spain, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia boycotted the Eurovision Song Contest held in Vienna, Austria, in May. • The boycott was a protest against the European Broadcasting Union's decision to refuse calls for Israel's suspension from the competition.

• The Eurovision Song Contest has updated its rules to automatically disqualify any country engaged in an armed conflict from hosting the event. • This policy change follows a failed attempt to suspend Israel and a subsequent boycott by five broadcasters, including major competitors Spain and Ireland.

• AP Entertainment reports on a new theater-kid dramedy titled 'Don't Say Good Luck,' featuring a performance by Sunny Sandler. • Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman has launched “Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience,” a touring ensemble that blends classical music with the blues.