his older brother millard went to work in the film industry, creating the sets for rin tin tin films, which sparked webb's own interest. webb's son jim later said his father "worked as a gofer and did just about everything (for the studios). he did lighting, grip, was a property man, even some makeup work. he worked his way up and became second assistant director. then he became assistant director under henry king. that's where he really learned the directing business."