Following his education at the the College of Jounalism (Belfast), École des Beaux Arts (Paris) and The Ontario College of Art in Toronto, Brian then moved to Hollywood where he quickly rose from set artwork to movie production. Under the expert guidance of John Ford, sometimes claimed to have been Brian's cousin, he learnt the new skills of set management. Brian even made one screen appearance as an extra in Ford's Hangman's House (1928) where he briefly appears alongside a college footballer gaining his first break - John Wayne.

See Filmography section, under Hangman's House for more information.

Brian's skills, however, were behind the camera where his artist training allowed him to capture faces and expressions with a unique flair. These skills were honed under Ford who remained a lifelong friend.

Scott Eyman writes in the Print the Legend, The Life and Times of John Ford about the lifelong friendship that existed between the two men.  Brian “arrived in Hollywood in 1928 for a visit.  While there, he got work doing murals in the libraries and living rooms of various monied members of Los Angles society.  For his own enjoyment, Desmond Hurst had painted a religious image on a screen, which was displayed in a bookstore window.  Ford saw it, and invited Desmond Hurst to his house.  It was the beginning of a friendship that would last till Ford’s death, for Hurst was a witty man who could always make Ford laugh.  Ford regularly introduced Desmond Hurst to people as his “cousin” which, naturally enough, led many to believe they were related, and was so fond of him that he used him in walk-ons, then got him a job at the studio, where he became an assistant art director”.