The spotlight is on Tampa. A brand new Lifetime film titled Bad Tenant has filmed around St. Petersburg and Tampa. This new film falls in a line of new Lifetime projects in the greater Tampa area. All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star The Bunny (Laura Dennis) will star in the film. The Bunny has more than 300,000 followers on Instagram, nearly 20,000 followers on her new TikTok channel, and almost 200,000 followers on Twitter. The area’s film commission hopes that The Bunny’s major social media clout, and consistent featuring on AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage, will help draw more eyes to the film, and of course to the Tampa area.
The Bunny tweeted about her experience filming here in the Tampa and St. Pete area. This news was first reported by Tampa Bay Times. Producer David Yates told the Times, “They don’t just want to bring movies here. They want movies that bring people here and I support that. People visit places they see on television and in movies. People visit places promoted by social media influencers. We combined the two with this movie.”
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Bad Tenant puts the spotlight on Tampa
The Bunny first rose to pro wrestling prominence as the ultra babyface character Allie on Impact Wrestling. The rallying of fan support behind the performer elevated her to the top of the card. She eventually found herself in the merchandise moving due Demon x Bunny alongside fellow wrestler Rosemary. On March 21, 2019, The Bunny announced she had signed an official deal with the newly formed All Elite Wrestling. On weekly television she performs alongside The Butcher and The Blade, as well as Penelope Ford.
Bad Tenant also stars Maryana Dvorska, an influencer with more than 400,000 followers on Instagram. Both stars will continue to showcase the region in posts leading up to the movies official debut. A premiere date is still TBA. 
Economic impact of Film Industry in Tampa
Bringing film projects to Tampa yields a significant economic impact. These productions fill up hotels, give restaurants and caterers some serious orders, and provide free advertising for some of the city’s most celebrated parks, retailers, and restaurants.
The film was written by Sam Benjamin and directed by Peter Foldy.
Synopsis via the Florida Film Commission: A homeowner rents their space to a kind music manager who turns out to be a psychotic con man.
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