The IATSE Hollywood locals organized the 30-minute comedy “Campus Ladies” from “Campus Ladies Productions, International President Thomas C. Short stated.  The Los Angeles-based television series, with a budget of under $400,000, has an order of 10 episodes and is set to debut Summer 2005 on the Oxygen Network.

IATSE Representatives and Local Union Business Agents from Hollywood called for a crew walk out at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, May 24, pressuring the producers to negotiate a contract.  After a half-day of talks, the producers and the IATSE reached an agreement granting the 40 crewmembers an increase in wages, improved working conditions, overtime provisions, rest periods and meal penalties, in addition to pension and healthcare benefits.

“The IATSE is extending coverage of all television and feature film production through our continued efforts to organize low budget, cable television series like ‘Campus Ladies.’  This crew will now receive hours toward their pensions and healthcare in addition to receiving pay increases while the producers can remain within their budget restrictions,”  International President Short stated.  “This is a win win for everyone.”

Campus Ladies is “a fish out of water” comedy about two women in their early 40s who, after a divorce and a widowing, are inspired to enroll in the local university and actually live in the dorm.  The show’s writers and stars, Carrie Aizley and Christen Sussin, created the concept on stage through their work with the Groundlings. Curb Your Enthusiasm star Cheryl Hines executive produces with Paul Young of Principato-Young, Peter Principato and E. Brian Dobbins also produce.   Oxygen Networks was created by Oprah Winfrey and her company Harpo Productions.