One Medical's Parody Spot Reminds Us How Terrifying It Is to Not Wear a Mask

One Medical is introducing a new film to remind people that not wearing a mask can be terrifying, even if you’re a chainsaw killer. A collaboration between GS&P and barrettSF.

“At One Medical we're always looking for new ways to promote healthy and, in many cases, life-saving behaviours. We put a twist on an age-old Halloween trope to emphasise one of the simplest and most effective ways to control the spread of Covid-19: wear a mask,” said Andrew Diamond, One Medical’s chief medical director.

Launching today, the film, 'Freaking Us Out' features a masked chainsaw killer and a young woman running through the woods at night. The scene intensifies and blurs - as it often does when a chainsaw killer and a young woman are running through the woods at night. But this time, the killer trips and we see that he's the one who's being chased. And he's the one who's freaked out, because he is wearing a Covid mask and the young woman chasing him is maskless. Her breath appears in the night and a super reminds viewers: You’re freaking us out. Wear a mask.

“The spot is a powerful way to remind people how not wearing a mask amid Covid-19 is not only dangerous but terrifying,” said Jeff Goodby, co-founder and co-chairman, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, One Medical’s advertising agency. “A Halloween-themed horror film seemed like the right way to bring light to the reality that being around someone without a mask is scary for everyone, even chainsaw killers."

GS&P created the film in conjunction with barrettSF. Production was carried out through GS&P’s in-house production department ELevel. GS&P’s Jeff Goodby and barrettSF’s CEO Jamie Barrett collaborated on the writing, art direction, and direction of the film.

“Jeff and I care about many of the same things and the no-brainer message of wearing a mask is one of them,” said Barrett. “It was great to combine forces.”