After its long run, the television program Tell me how it is is nearing its final chapter after 22 years on the air. Juan Echanove and the series evolved with its close ally, Imanol Arias, into a new project titled A country for food. In this landscape, the actors toured Spain, exploring regional cuisine, landscapes, and cultural contrasts. Yet Echanove has admitted in a Cadena COPE interview that the experience was not all sunshine and polish as it sometimes appeared on screen.
The man known for television roles such as Office shift, Lost, and Memento mori recalls a different reality behind the scenes. He remembers long shooting days, sometimes spanning an entire province, with much time spent in transit and careful attention to daylight. Those hours behind the wheel shaped the daily rhythm of production as much as the final cut.
B side of the shot
The actor offers a candid view of the production’s underside. What audiences later saw—pleasure, discovery, and a shared affection for each region—stood beside the practicalities of filming. A constant companion during shoots was a producer who kept recording material rolling, including a scene of a lady preparing croquettes. Five cameras captured the croquettes, while a sixth watched the tray; the crew would often share portions, and then move on to the next location, keeping the pace brisk.
Eating first thing in the morning proved challenging. The cast navigated dishes like Asturian and Galician stews, though he acknowledges that public perception often diverges from the reality on set. Ultimately, he believes that the sense of taste resonates with viewers and fuels the storytelling on screen.
For Echanove, work is always a professional commitment. Regardless of what unfolds behind the scenes, he remains focused on delivering what the job requires, and he accepts that he is compensated to endure those demanding moments as part of the craft.
As for Cuéntame, the actor feels the series deserves a fitting ending. While he does not fully embrace every conclusion of his character, he played a guiding role in A country to eat it alongside Imanol Arias during the first two seasons, with Ana Duato taking over in later chapters.