I've never done anything like that with a screenplay. But I'm a sports photographer, and I show some of my work to players, mainly in person. I've done that and then made friends with the player, and then if someone asks if they know a photographer, they tell them about me. That's how I got my jobs for some teams I've worked for.

I was wondering, have you ever sent any work you've done to a star, hoping to get feedback or maybe a job? lol

What I mean is, I'm currently writing a screenplay. It's shaping up well.
I've recently met director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, Sunshine, Slumdog Millionaire...) and told him about my screenplay and he gave me his agent's address to send it to (for feedback). Now I thought once I finish it and get it copyrighted, maybe I should send it to more directors/producers this way...

I know it's not the regular procedure but heck, it's worth a shot. And I do know of someone who managed to sell a script like that.
Has anyone ever tried something similar?