For the 1994 film "Little Women," Swicord conducted intensive research into Louisa May Alcott's personal diaries and family letters in order to recreate the period accurately. For over twelve years, she developed the project with film executive Amy Pascal. The studio wanted Winona Ryder to star, so producer Denise Di Novi, who had a longstanding working relationship with Ryder, joined as a producer. Ryder wanted a female director, which was an additional challenge, as the list of women directors from the studio was short. Gillian Armstrong ("My Brilliant Career"), who was on the list, was hired to direct.