HAVERHILL — It's no Los Angeles, but Haverhill has something that lured a Hollywood movie producer here to film a major motion picture. Warner Bros. plans to film several scenes here for a comedy starring Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe and Ricky Gervais.

In a way, Haverhill has been on the motion picture map for 10 years, or ever since Paul Martin Antiques on River Street first began supplying major filmmakers and television producers with props such as wooden file cabinets and bedroom sets.

If you've seen "The Cider House Rules," starring Michael Caine and Tobey Maguire, or "The Good Shepherd" starring Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie, you've probably seen pieces of furniture that Martin sold or rented to the set directors of these films.

"They send their staff out to find furniture that fits whatever the set designer is drawing up," Martin said. "If we have what they want, we almost always put a deal together."

Martin's foray into the movie industry began around 10 years ago when he was contacted by set directors working for movie star and producer Woody Allen.

"They don't always tell us what film it's for," Martin said. "They might store the items in their warehouse for future use."

The movie being partly filmed in Haverhill — "This Side of the Truth," a Warner Bros. production starring Garner, Lowe and Gervais — will have scenes shot at the Merrivista elderly housing complex, 100 Water St., with local elders getting a chance to be extras in the film.

William Pillsbury, the city's economic development and planning director, said Martin's work with the movie industry is another example of Haverhill's diverse business community.

"The opportunities for Haverhill business to be involved outside of the city is something, perhaps we have not talked about enough or highlighted," Pillsbury said.

Martin supplied a variety of items for "The Cider House Rules" which Martin says was filmed in the Berkshires.

"When their set designer visited us, she said, 'Wow, look at all the stuff we have to choose from.' "When they come here it's like being in a candy store. They don't have just a few pieces to pick from."

Martin rented out a variety of pieces for the movie "Mona Lisa Smile" which was filmed at Wellesley College and starred Julia Roberts. He supplied furniture for the "Pink Panther 2" which was filmed in Boston and stars Steve Martin and Jean Reno.

"We provided them with a mix, including French and English desks," Martin said. "Some of the items they take they use, some they don't, so it's hard to identify what they use."

A few years back he shipped some tables and other pieces of furniture for use in "The Good Shepherd."

"They had a huge budget and a ton of different sets so they may have bought more than they needed," Martin said. "There were a few mirrors, end tables and bedroom sets that I saw in the movie."

Although Martin may ship out an antique, there is no guarantee it will appear in a film in the same condition it left his shop.

"They might be looking for the form, but not the color of the piece," Martin said. "Some items they might alter so you may not recognize it when you see it."

Some of his customers have specific requests for furniture that actually appeared in a movie.

"There are people who are looking for items such as a chair Michael Caine sat in," Martin said. "And there are people who don't care about the nostalgia and just want a particular piece."

When a set designer for the "Ed Show" requested a certain style of chandelier which Martin didn't have in stock, he called on other antique dealers.

"I have a friend who deals in chandeliers and he had exactly what they wanted," Martin said. "I shop up and down the East Coast to find what they need. We do the same thing for local decorators. It's all a part of providing good service."

Martin is working with a set designer for the movie "The Proposal" starring Sandra Bullock.

"They rented a few things, including a big map of Europe," Martin said. "And they rented a marble top bank table and a few sideboards, which is a dining room piece."

He's also supplying antique bookcases and filing cabinets for the movie "Ashecliffe" — a Martin Scorcese film being shot in Boston.

Martin said the movie industry is only a small part of his business and that most of his work involves wholesaling antiques to other dealers around the world.

"We ship to Europe, to Australia, across the U.S. and Canada," Martin said. "We supply larger retail antique dealers as well."

PG1 BOX

Movies Paul Martin has supplied furniture for:

"The Cider House Rules"

"The Good Shepherd"

"Mona Lisa Smile"

"The Proposal"

For television:

"The Ed Show"

JUMP PG BOX

Paul Martin Antiques, 266 River St.

Items rented or sold to movie set designers:

Bedroom sets

Fancy office desks and parlor desks

Desk lamps, floor lamps and chandeliers

Upholstered furniture, including arm chairs

Paintings, prints

China closets

Bookcases

Wood file cabinets

Vintage clothing