it has been "making a powerpoint" file for two hours - is that for real or should I try again

It shouldn't take that long unless it's a really long scribe or there is something wrong with the way your project has been prepared.

you can save your work to the cloud folder and tell customer support the name of it if you would like their help during UK business hours.

If you want help from users, save your project as a .scribe file and attach it here.

also:
TIPS to avoid crashes, freezes, failure to render or erratic behavior (2015)

-Mike (videoscribe user)