CareGivers (trailer & interviews with filmmaker Rodney Whittenberg) (4 min)

I had a friend who was an EMT in Flint. It is a tough job that is poorly paid.  The things seen at times are truly horrific.  I am glad their story is being both acknowledged and told.  

Newsworks did a story about Rodney Whittenberg, who co-produced the documentary "Caregivers" with Vic Compher.

The Emmy, tucked in a dark corner of Melody Vision Studio in Plymouth Meeting, is an apt metaphor for Rodney Whittenberg's humble approach to his craft. Award-winning composer of soundtracks for 33 films, musician, filmmaker and sound engineer, the 52-year-old renaissance man says, "It's all about storytelling."

Whittenberg's own story started out in Yeadon where, at the age of 12, he built a synthesizer keyboard in his family's basement out of components from RadioShack. That was his first instrument. Following Settlement School Summer Camp and attending UArts, Whittenberg's repertoire expanded to include guitar, bass, drum and piano.

The 200-year-old farmhouse, where Whittenberg provides music and video production services, is filled with acoustic and electric guitars, giving the impression that, at any time, he might indulge in an impromptu jam session. "I used to be into heavy metal," he admits. But the image on his t-shirt isn't Mötley Crüe. It's Ghandi.

When he's not telling his own stories through his music, Whittenberg helps others tell theirs as a creative consultant — which is how he became involved with "Caregivers," a documentary film about secondary trauma, the crippling stress experienced by first responders, the police, firefighters, nurses, social workers and EMTs who are on the front line of natural and biological disasters and violence.

To read more go to: Doc from PA filmmaker gives voice to trauma of first responders