On viewer wrote  "Thank-you for “serving up” more than just a short film. You served human kindness and so very much more on a silver platter. Kudos!"
"A young server calms the nerves of a diner as he prepares for a special occasion.  Sensing the diner needs support, the server becomes a willing accomplice in his quest to create the perfect dinner for two."

With
Maarten Cornelis
​and
Matt Ventre

Maarten Cornelis (right) is the diner and Matt Ventre (left) is the server in this thoughtful and engaging short film.
CAST

Maarten Cornelis
The Customer
Maarten Cornelis is a Belgian American actor, writer and producer. "Making the Dinner For Two is a dream come true", says Maarten.  It is based on real events that happened to Maarten.  He wrote it all down, knowing that he would one day make a movie out of it. Maarten wants to thank his director, Joe Lobianco, for the trust he put in him, Tom Diorio, for having a great eye, John Lant, for believing in the project, and his husband, Sunil Sharma, for being his biggest fan & supporter.  He wants to dedicate this movie to anyone that lost someone without having the chance to say goodbye.  For more information on Maarten, please visit his website: www.maartencornelis.com

Matt Ventre 
The Server

Matthew Ventre was a scholar/athlete playing lacrosse at Muhlenberg College. He graduated with a BA in Communications in 2017. His interest has always been in film. He began studying at The Actors Workshop (Long Island, NY) in late 2018, under the tutelage of acting coach Chris Cardona. After just two years of studying at The Actors Workshop, Matthew was awarded the lead role in the pilot “Manhattan South” as Gregory Quinn aka GQ.  The pilot is currently being pitched to Netflix.
​

Joe LoBianco


​Director

"I've always loved black and white. It was perfect for this emotional and intimate film."
 
Joe is a film director for feature and short films. Having worked in TV and music previously, Joe’s first love is film & photography.  As a director of music and film Joe started his career working for commercial clients such as the New York Jets, Bloomingdales and IBM. Joe’s photography has been featured throughout the world and his work has circulated to millions. Joe directed the full length feature 3 Doors From Paradise;  short films Quality Control and Dinner For Two, TV shows The Toronto ArtHouse Film Festival Awards and ChokeHold  among others. 
He is currently in production on a feature film mockumentary called SKIP and an upcoming thriller.

Alicia Buxton

The Singer
Alicia Buxton is an actor / singer/ model based in Brooklyn, NY.  On stage she has appeared in the Off-Broadway show "Through the Wren",  "Vulcanalia: Creator/Destroyer", "Naked: A Call to Intersectional Feminism",  and  "The Rocky Horror Show".  Alicia has appeared in several short films, including "SUCCUBUS" as well as some of the most prestigious venues in NYC.
 

Debra Toscano

The Manager
Singing, acting and performing since the age of 5, Debra is excited to be working with Gatehouse Entertainment & Tin Mirror Productions on Dinner for Two.  Notable Credits: My Big Gay Italian Series, Emmy Nominated Soap “Tainted Dreams”, Sisters Xmas Catechism, SKIP, Singing National Anthem for all NY/NJ major sports teams.  Her CD of original songs “MY ANGEL” is on ITUNES.

Carla Seet

The Female Server
Carla Seet is a New York City based actor, singer, and writer. Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, she trained at Millikin University and completed an immersion at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. She can be seen as Amy in the upcoming Tin Mirror Productions feature film, "Skip" and the short film "The Appraiser," which she wrote and is producing.
The Band
              Frank Toscano - Accordion                                    Bruce Summa - Trombone                                        John Rossi - Bass                                               Ty Osborne - Broom