The best way to get noticed as a writer are screenwriting contests. There are many to choice from. How to select the best one to enter:

• Longevity – How many years has this contest been running?
• Prestige – What do people think about this contest? Previous winners and losers.
• Judges – Who is going to read your screenplay? Producers, agents, etc.
• Prizes – Money and connections

The goal to enter one of these contests is not just the money, it’s the connections to those who will hire you. And to get an agent to represent you. One of the judge’s might option your screenplay, or just hire you to work on others screenplays.

You can skip the contests if you are already connected to a producer or studio who will buy your screenplay. This is a very small number of people.