top of page
TDS-white cheese.png

A message from Director, Matt Salvo about the importance of this film. (2 min. watch)

JOIN THE MOOVEMENT

October 8, 2025

We are raising funds to produce a feature-length documentary filmed across California and beyond, capturing diverse stories that reveal the heart of America’s dairy industry. From family-run dairies managing thousands of heifers to advanced facilities transforming raw milk into nutrient-rich products, this film explores milk’s journey from cow to consumer.

 

Blending the visual warmth of America’s Heartland with the playful accessibility of Sesame Street, we’ll combine cinematic visuals, animation, and approachable interviews to make complex topics easy to understand for all ages. Along the way, we’ll highlight milk’s nutritional power, its role in sustainability—like turning methane into renewable energy—and the legislative decisions shaping farming and food policy. By showcasing farmers, scientists, and culinary experts, this documentary invites viewers to see milk not just as a product, but as the result of remarkable people and innovation.

Kickstarter Coming Soon!

Areas of focus

Sustainability
Nutrition FACTS
Blind Taste Tests
The Science
The Families
Cow Comfort
Economics
Processing
Why Milk Matters
Cow Power

Distribution Goals

gettyimages-102486878-640x640 copy.jpg

Once the film is complete, it will be entered into a variety of film festivals under the feature length documentary genre. We will also have multiple theatrical releases and premieres to gain buzz and maximize community exposure. The director will also appear on multiple podcasts and news segments promoting the film.

 

Once the film has won multiple awards and has met academy award guidelines, it will be offered to a streaming service for buyout.

More crew bios coming soon.

Meet the crew

A great movie takes a great team.

Matt Salvo

Producer and Director

Matt Salvo

Founder of Salvo Image, a Sacramento media company, he specializes in agricultural cinematic storytelling through photography and short films. With 25 years of experience, he began editing at 15 and has won awards for his work on California Bountiful. His short film Trader was recognized on HBO's Project Green Light, chosen from 20,000 entries. Salvo works with Emmy-winning creatives to produce high-quality content for agriculture, food, and nonprofits, reaching millions through campaigns for the California Milk Advisory Board and Farm Bureau Federation.

gonzo.jpg

Taste Test Director of Photography 

Raul Gonzo

Latin American artist and director based in Sacramento, known for his bold, colorful, and music videos and photography that blend satire, pop culture, and Americana. He has directed for artists like the Goo Dolls and Kat Von D, and his award-winning children's short film, Margo Hoo Couldn't!, has screened at over 40 festivals. In 2024, he held his first solo at the Crocker Art Museum and is also a stand-up comic and children’s book author.

james rogers.jpg

Composer

James Rogers

James Rogers is an award-winning composer and sound designer based in the United Kingdom, with over 15 years of experience in film and advertising.

 

His work includes creating bespoke scores for The Slow Mo Guys and Macro Room on YouTube, as well as international brands such as Jo Malone in Dubai. His music has been licensed worldwide and featured on national and international television, including StudioCanal’s Dambusters Documentary.

 

On the sound design side, James has collaborated with Aston Martin on their Formula 1 car launch, worked with team sponsors in the F1 circuit, and produced impactful audio for brands including Virgin/O2, Oxfam, BBC Ideas, and Gucci.

​

James pours his heart into every project and brings that same passion, precision, and creativity to every film he works on.

500037531_10232102365714642_7264110728284617084_n.jpg

Sound recording Dairy unit

Craig Vincent

Craig Vincent—widely known as “Craig the Sound Guy”—is a Northern California–based Production Sound Mixerwith over 30 years of experience in film, television, and live production. His work spans documentaries, commercials, narrative films, and corporate projects, consistently delivering clean, high-quality sound that enhances every story.

With a background in theatre, sound design, and cinematography, Craig brings a well-rounded understanding of on-set collaboration and post-production needs. Known for his professionalism, creativity, and easygoing nature, he’s the trusted choice for filmmakers who value excellence in production sound.

Unknown copy.jpg

Director of Photography

Aaron Leong

Emmy Award–winning filmmaker and cinematographer Aaron Leong is known for his dynamic visual storytelling and versatile background in performance, directing, and production.

A graduate of San Francisco State University, Aaron earned his degree in Theatre Arts with a double emphasis in Performance and Directing before beginning his professional career with Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Programs. His experience on stage inspired him to launch his own company, 4th Wall Productions, and later pursue formal film studies at The Art Institute of Sacramento, where he specialized in Directing and Cinematography.

To further master the craft, Aaron trained at the prestigious Global Cinematography Institute in Los Angeles, studying under legendary cinematographers including Yuri Neyman, ASC, Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC, Dean Cundey, ASC, and Russell Carpenter, ASC.

Aaron’s expertise spans Pre-Visualization (PreVis), aesthetic and LUT development, lighting for visual effects, virtual cinematography, post-production image management, and color correction.

Owen square.jpg

Editor

Owen Burgess

Owen Burgess is a seasoned video editor and broadcast producer in Sacramento, California, with experience in television, commercials, short films, and music videos. As a Broadcast Producer at Sacramento Faith TV, he leverages his expertise in video production For the past decade, he has owned BluGriz, a creative production known for impactful content. A Brooks Institute graduate Owen combines technical skill with artistic vision, making him a sought-after industry professional.

ZJM25--4_edited.jpg

Production Manager

Zaira Joaquin Morales

Research associate and environmental analyst specializing in water policy, dairy methane mitigation, sustainable agriculture. She earned a B.S. in Environmental Science and Management with a GIS concentration from UC Davis. At the Public Policy Institute of California, she led survey and data analysis for groundwater recharge initiatives and-authored key policy. Previously, she supported methane reduction strategies through field research and economic evaluations at UC Davis.

DSC01120_edited.jpg

Sound recording Remote unit

Jarret Rogers

Jarrett Rogers is a versatile film production professional with a strong background in sound, credited as a sound mixer and boom operator on projects like Mother’s Day, Our Story Untold, and Dream, and as a sound mixer for Zero Limits. Beyond LGBTQ roles, he has made key contributions to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, Dark Feathers: Dance of the Geisha, demonstrating both technical expertise and creative sensitivity. With experience spanning on-set sound mixing, boom operation, and production coordination, Rogers brings precision, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit to every production.

Production timeline

2025 Production & Fundraising 
​May – Foundation & Outreach

​

June – Development & Legal Prep
​
July – Apply for Sundance Documentary grant

​

August – Pre-Production

​

September – Logistics & Permits

​

October – Launch Kickstarter

​

November – Travel & Production Setup
​
December – Finalize grant and Kickstarter funding

​

2027 Screenings & Promotions
2026 Production &
Post-Production
January – National Interviews Begin
​

February – Continued Interviews

​

March – Dairy Industry Interviews

​

April – Production Continues

​

May – Final Interviews & Public Polling

​

June – Finish Dairy B-roll and Editing begins

​​

July – Editing Continues
 

August – First Rough Cut
 

September – Score Development
 

October – Focus Groups & Post Work
 

November – Final Post-Production
 

December – Director’s Review & Delivery

​

​

January – Premiere of The Dairy State and deliver Kickstarter items

​

​​

YFC-0549.jpg
Contact Us

​

What can we help you with?

Thanks for submitting!

Sacramento • California

© 2025 Matt Salvo

bottom of page