I’m Shmacked released footage on its YouTube channel from its visit to FGCU, as part of the “I’m Shmacked the Movie” tour. However, it fell short of the hype surrounding its release.
Comments on the video expressed distaste in the channel’s “trick videography” and the reputation the group carries.
Many local news outlets have written about the controversy surrounding I’m Shmacked visiting FGCU, stating the group has been accused of promoting rape culture and illegal activities.
Creators of the I’m Shmacked video made mention on their channel that “no alcohol or illegal substance is used during filming, just props.”
Promising exploration into the party side of every university, I’m Shmacked describes itself as “one of the world’s fastest growing entertainment platforms for young adults and teens.” Most of its videos include girls in skimpy outfits, assumed underage drinking and rowdy crowds. With nearly 25,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 270,000 followers on Twitter, I’m Shmacked took to social media to announce it would be adding FGCU its tour, and within two hours, tickets were on sale along with special $30 FGCU I’m Shmacked tank tops on its website.
I’m Shmacked first revealed its appearance would take place during the first week of classes fall 2015, yet at that point, FGCU officials had not heard about the group or approved its arrival. After conflicts with venue and date changes, the event was finally held on Nov. 15 at Harborside Event Center.
The montage features shots of the North Lake Village waterfront, along with campus and Greek life, synced to a track by Los Angeles based artist NGHTMRE. Among camera angles of all the various FGCU campus landmarks, scenes of a raging performance by NGHTMRE and a dimly lit bar made the editing cut.
“I had friends who went and had a great time and others that went, and it was the complete opposite of what they thought because there is more than meets the eye with those videos,” said Shad Thebaud, a senior business management major. “I think they were expecting it to be like ‘Project X.’”
Other students felt that the video did not put a party label on FGCU but rather showed how college is generally perceived by others.
“It had good editing,” said Melissa Guggisberg, a freshman communication major. “It showed the lakefront. It was just showing student life and didn’t make FGCU look like a party school.”