The Studio Era of Hollywood 

Lasting between 1930 and 1948, the "Studio Era" refers to the introduction and domination of a the Studio System, which was a method of film production which saw only a small number of select studios producing a majority of the films at the time, and in large amounts. 

These studios, also known as the "Major Studios" included what was known as "The Big Five" and "The Little Three", these 8 studios controlling 95% of the films shown in the US. The Big Five included:

1. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayor
Established in 1924.

2. Paramount Picture Corp.
Established as distribution company in 1914.

3. Fox Film Corporation/20th Century Fox
Established in 1913 but began producing films in 1915.

4. Warner Brothers 
Established in 1924.

5. RKO Radio Pictures Incorporated 
An "immediate major", established in 1928.

The "Little Three" referring to:

1. Universal Pictures 
Formed in 1915.

2. United Artists 
Established in 1919.

3. Columbia 
Established in 1924.