Cookie Jar Entertainment has hatched a new primetime-focused production arm, tapping TV exec Tom Mazza as EVP and head of worldwide TV to head up the comopany and the division.

Mazza will be managing the new offshoot, named The Jar, and will oversee its development and production departments, and distribution, program acquisition and international co-productions.

The new exec hails from Columbia TriStar Network Television, where he served as president, directing all operations for the network television division. He’s also a 12-year vet of Paramount Network Television. There he was responsible for all primetime television development as well as Paramount’s roster of writers and on-air talent.

Under The Jar, the company is developing a range of shows to fit into networks’ primetime needs and Cookie Jar currently has more than a dozen scripted series from experienced industry scribes, such as Steven de Souza (Die Hard, 48 Hours), Alan Zweibel (Saturday Night Live, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show), Tony Blake and Paul Jackson (Charmed) and Steven L. Sears (Xena: Warrior Princess) in the development pipeline.