Much like the beginning of a Congressional hearing on a hot potato political topic, expectations for the first day of talks between the WGA and AMPTP were high, but largely began with formalities.

The two sides came together in Sherman Oaks this morning around 11 a.m. as large swathes of the TV and film industry wondered what the outcome would be for the most highly anticipated contract talks in 15 years.

Neither side is giving out full details, but sources suggest that the initial vibe from the room is that, despite all of the talk of a potential strike, a deal can be reached.

The initial conversations were described as “cordial” and “level-headed” with some highlighting a different negotiating style from Ellen Stutzman, the WGA West’s assistant director, who has subbed in from David Young, who is on medical leave.

As Kay Cannon, the Pitch Perfect writer who is on the WGA negotiating committee, laid out earlier today, the two sides will hold talks for the next two weeks before taking a break at the start of April.

Hours before the talks began, Carol Lombardini’s trade association said it was “fully committed to reaching a mutually beneficial deal” with the guilds and said the “goal is to keep production active”.