The new overseas craze for movieoke, allowing pub goers to act out their favourite film scenes, is likely to develop in Australia.

And according to a multimedia academic, the fad will eventually converge with computer games which allow players to construct alternative identities (or avatars).

Ken Clark (pictured) , from Central Queensland University, said “gamers already love the idea of playing within a different skin, playing with identity so they would naturally embrace the movieoke trend for public performance.”.

Conversely, technological advances meant it would soon be viable for people to insert themselves into famous movie clips via digital editing.

"There's already software that allows you to over-dub movies with your own voice ... and the program even does the lip-sync for you," he said.

Mr Clark said DVD advances in sub-titles and track surfing had created the demand for movieoke. He said the multimedia environment could take it even further.

"If you pick a movie musical you can even sing, dance and act alongside your favourite co-stars," he said.

ENDS For details call Ken Clark on 0403 383 873 or 07 4923 2558