James Watkins got his name out in the open with February’s well-received The Woman in Black, and he’s using any newly-established sway to move forward with Second Is Nowhere. Written by William Davies (How to Drain Your Dragon), the film’s a true-life drama focusing on Steve Ovett and Sebastian Coe, two Olympic mid-distance runners who formed a rivalry throughout the ’70s and ’80s. [ScreenDaily, via ThePlaylist]

The forthcoming London Olympics almost gives the impression of a tie-in to some global event, but producer (and BBC Films head) Christine Langan feels as though Second stands as “a really good British story that is very exciting and compelling” — and, in fact, says it might be wise to come after an event that inundates daily life to begin with. As someone who can barely tolerate talk of the Olympics when they air, it’d be fair to say I agree. So, with not much interest in the subject matter, here’s hoping Watkins can let it stand purely as a piece of entertainment. (A little art would be nice, too.)

And BBC Films must be on something of a historical kick, since ScreenDaily’s story also tells us that Ian Le Frenais and Dick Clement (Killing Bono, Across the Universe) are working on the screenplay for You Really Got Me, a biopic of Kinks members Ray and Dave Davies; Julien Temple is directing, while Jeremy Thomas will produce.

Described as a snapshot of their lives — childhood, major success, and the ambiguous territory only known as “after” — You Really Got Me will hopefully begin production at the end of this year. And, then, the rock can commence.

Are you interested in seeing Watkins’ take on this story? What do you hope for with a Kinks film?