1Password | Stop Bad Actors with Tommy Wiseau

When you think of online security, the last thing that probably comes to mind is a quirky actor from a cult classic film. Yet, 1Password pulls off a perfect blend of humor and security awareness by casting Tommy Wiseau, the iconic star of The Room, in this unforgettable ad. His unique energy and signature delivery add a level of comedic flair, all while highlighting the importance of securing your online data.

The Formula (That Works at Any Budget):

Unexpected Celebrity Cameo = Instant Attention – Tommy Wiseau’s presence immediately grabs attention, making you want to watch simply because he’s in it. → Lesson: When done right, an unexpected celebrity can drive both interest and humor, making your ad memorable.

Humor That Educates – Wiseau’s eccentric performance doesn’t just entertain; it also subtly informs viewers about the dangers of poor password management and the importance of using a reliable password manager. → Lesson: Great humor can simultaneously entertain and educate without losing its core message.

Over-the-Top Absurdity = Increased Engagement – The exaggerated, almost surreal humor plays up Wiseau’s persona, turning what could be a simple security ad into something far more engaging and fun. → Lesson: Embrace exaggeration for comedic effect—it makes your ad stand out.

The Product as the Hero, Not the Focus – 1Password’s brand isn’t shoved in your face. Instead, the ad focuses on educating viewers about password security, with 1Password subtly positioned as the solution. → Lesson: Let the humor and story drive the message, not the product features.

Type of Humor:

  • Absurd & Surreal – Tommy Wiseau’s quirky acting style leans into over-the-top delivery, creating a hilarious contrast with the serious subject matter of online security. → Lesson: Absurdity works when paired with the right character—don’t be afraid to lean into the weirdness if it serves the humor.

Final Verdict: 1Password combines the unexpected appeal of Tommy Wiseau with sharp, absurd humor to make online security both fun and relatable. It’s a clever way to use celebrity power and comedy to drive home the importance of digital protection, ensuring you’ll remember both the actor and the product.

Brave-o-meter score: 

B-9 | R-9 | A-9 | V-9 | E-9

BRAVE – 9.0/10

Watch the full ad & learn more:
Website: https://www.1password.com
LinkedIn: Simply Business LinkedIn Page

(See what BRAVE means in our collection)

Understanding the B.R.A.V.E. Scoring System

The B.R.A.V.E. scoring system uses AI to deliver an unbiased evaluation of top-of-the-funnel B2B brand ads. It measures potential impact, memorability, and effectiveness by assessing five key components of a video ad or commercial. This system gauges an ad's capacity to drive brand recall and enhance salience, ensuring that creative work not only captures attention but also leaves a lasting impression.

What B.R.A.V.E. Stands For:

Each letter represents a key factor in determining an ad’s success:

  • B — Boldness: Is the ad original, creative, or daring? Does it break away from generic B2B marketing, or is it just another forgettable corporate video?
  • R — Relevance: Does it connect with a real buyer pain point? Is it addressing a specific frustration or need, or just listing product features?
  • A — Attention: Does it grab and hold attention in the first few seconds? Is it visually or tonally engaging, or easy to skip?
  • V — Vibe: Does it create an emotional response—laughter, recognition, or surprise? Or does it feel like just another corporate info dump?
  • E — Effectiveness: Will buyers remember the brand when they need a solution? Does the ad make an impact that lasts beyond the moment?

How It’s Applied to B2B Video Rating

Each video is scored 1 to 10 in all five categories, based on how well it meets the criteria. The total score (out of 50) is then divided by 5 to give a final B.R.A.V.E. score out of 10.

For example:

  • An ad scoring B-8 | R-9 | A-7 | V-6 | E-8 has a total of 38/50.
  • The final B.R.A.V.E. score is 7.6/10.

Why It Matters

B2B ads often struggle with being bland, forgettable, or ineffective. The B.R.A.V.E. system ensures they are judged by their ability to break through, connect with buyers, and drive action.

Simply put: If your ad isn’t B.R.A.V.E., it’s invisible.

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