Hello, I have edited telecined film footage in avid before, but now it's the first time I will have to go back to film. We considered the DI option at first but it came out too expensive so we dropped it. What's the best worklfow in this case? What I understand is that I will get a telecine from the lab with which I will work offline and then I will have to give an edl back to the lab so that they cut the negative according to that? Is that correct or is there a better workflow? Any input on the matter would be of much help. Thanks!

"... will have to give an edl back to the lab ..."

Actually, you'll give a "Cut List" to the neg cutter.

You'll start with a "film project".  This will allow the entry & tracking of KN's etc.  Import the FLX or ALE's provided with the Telecine tapes.  Use those to batch import.  When done, generate a Cut List.