The presence of Penelope Cruz in Woody Allen's new flick "To Rome With Love" is sure to steam up cinemas, as the Oscar-winning actress is playing a high-class hooker in an extremely tight and extremely short red dress.

Her approach going into the movie? To make prostitution seem something of a desirable career.

"That is really how I looked this character ... She is very professional, she looks at this job with dignity, and she wants to be the best at it. She is convinced she is helping people, and is really necessary for society," Cruz told FOX411's Pop Tarts column at the film's premiere at the L.A. Film Festival on Thursday.

But the real reason she signed on to the European-based Sony Classics comedy was to follow up "Vicki Cristina Barcelona" and once again work with one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

"It was easier this time because I knew Woody, so I wasn't so nervous because of all the stories you hear about him.