Behind the scenes: Scratch’s filming with E4’s Teen Mum Academy
By Chloe Randall | 23 May 2022 | Feature, News
Lights…camera…action! Back in August 2021, Scratch was invited to take part in Dragonfly’s Teen Mum Academy for E4, and now is the time that we can finally spill all the details!
The programme follows six teens who have already experienced one of the biggest life events there is – becoming mothers. As they embark on a life-changing experience, the teens are helped to build confidence, relationships and develop a broad range of new skills to aid them in both their future careers and personal lives, with help from people in their desired industry.
Filmed over 2 days a week apart at Scratch HQ, managing editor, Helena Biggs was introduced to Antonia who had a goal of building her career as a nail technician and growing her nail business’ social media to promote her work and develop a loyal, strong clientele.
Helena set Antonia a task (all will be revealed) and Antonia had a week to complete it.
“Statistically, teenage mothers are less likely to attend school and finish their education due to lack of resources and support,” reveals Molly Boughen, assistant producer at Dragonfly.
“The goal of this programme was to fight the stigma and stereotypes of what it means to be a teenage mother and promote their drive and determination. We aimed to show the subject of teenage pregnancy with warmth, humour, and sensitivity. We wanted to help each of our young mothers realise their capabilities both in their business and personal lives.”
Meet Antonia…
“I moved out of my family home at the age of 16 after I struggled in my early teens and felt very misunderstood which caused me to clash with my family. I am now 19 with a 16 month old baby, living in our own home and we are very happy.
“I became a single mum a month after Alanah- Marie was born due to wanting more for myself and although it hasn’t been the easiest journey, I wouldn’t change anything. I went back to college to get a beauty therapy qualification alongside my nail qualification so I could branch out into further beauty treatments.
“I found out about Teen Mum Academy through my family nurse as she believed I’d be great for the show. After she told me about it, I was so excited and she reached out on my behalf. I went through a long process of interviews, emails, pictures, videos and zoom calls so once I heard I got in everything felt so surreal.
“The thing that excited me about the opportunity was the fact that it was made to help young mothers with our business aspirations and changing the stereotypes for teen mothers. Having my nail business has been very tricky as balancing time and funds into it with a one-year-old as a single mother isn’t exactly straightforward. The show felt like a second chance to get it going.
“When Scratch gave me a task I was filled with different emotions, excitement but also a lot of nerves due to wanting to get it right as it was a big opportunity for myself. It didn’t feel real.
“My time in the Scratch office was so fun! Meeting with Helena was so refreshing, she was so genuine and wanted to see me succeed. It’s not every day you meet a stranger that wants to see you shine. She made me feel so comfortable and gave me all tips that would help me in the long run.”