The BBFC

 (The first 2 questions have been answered in the previous post)

3. The BBFC classification guidelines have very clear rules as to what and what can't be shown either at all or for different ages. As previously states their are 7 different age certificates that can be awarded to a film. 

The universal rating should be appropriate for all ages although is targeted at children age 4 - 8. It should not contain any violence (unless very mild), bad language, drugs or alcohol, nudity or sex and dangerous behaviour - as this may not only upset and disturb young children but they can also pick up and start internalising the behaviour shown, so this would be setting a bad example

Films with a Parental Guidance rating are aimed at children over 8 -- however anyone can go see or buy them unaccompanied, parents however are advised to consider the contents of the film and decide if it is suitable for their kids. Dangerous behaviour/ injuries and violence may be shown but the detail should be minimal - obscene language is rare but may be used mildly in the correct context and this is the same case with drugs. 

12 or 12A rated films cannot be bought by anyone under 12 years old however if its rated a 12A a person under 12 may see it in the cinema with someone over the age of 18. Promotion of dangerous behaviour or violence is prohibited, violent or discriminatory language is rare unless explicitly condemned. Substance abuse should not be glamourised and must only be shown in small detail, infrequently and showing severe consequences. Nudity is okay in a sexual context but must be vague and brief - similarly with sexual violence and threat can be referenced but in more severe cases must be brief and very negatively represented

For a 15, nobody under the age of 15 can buy or view the film - for most of the topics they are allowed but should not be shown in a light that encourages it at all. For example with Drugs, you can show people taking them but it mustn't glorify misuse of drugs. Sexual activity can be shown but with no clear details, a strong focus on sex or sexual violence is unacceptable. There may be threat of horror however if the main focus of the film is on 'sadistic threat' is unlikely to be passed. 

18's are a lot different, as you are now an adult and should be responsible for what media you choose to consume - the only exceptions are, if its against criminal law or the filming of it has broken laws, if the material is strongly encouraging dangerous acts (eating disorders, suicide, substance abuse ect) making it look appealing as this may damage peoples health, or films based on clear and detailed images of sex (this may be rated an 18r - see below)

R18 is a restricted type of film where you can only sell in liscensed shops. The following content is banned, any form of sexual activity where consent isn't given and any form of physical restraint as then the person may not have a right to withdraw consent, sexual scenes with children, inflicting serious pain, or any films that are against the law.

4. Personally I think that if the BBFC were to give our opening sequence an age certificate it would be a 15 - as it us a horror film there is some gruesome scenes but the viewers don't see anybody getting killed or the killer itself - only the dead body. There is no references to drug misuse, discriminatory or obscene language, nudity or sex and no promoting of dangerous acts. However it wouldn't be a 12 or 12A as there is reference and explicitly shown terror and violence and a dead body is seen - as is a shot of the man getting attacked and this could be potentially upsetting and disturbing to children under the age of 15. However it would't be an 18 because it isn't completely revolved around sadistic violence and there aren't any promotion of dangerous acts. However if we were to make a whole version based on our opening sequence, I think it could potentially be rated an 18 - because we agreed on an idea together we didn't properly think of how the film would go on or end but the horror convention would be kept through all the way and this may get too disturbing for anyone under the age of 18.